I discovered this when I was recently holidaying in Perth, and as I hadn't been aware of it before thought it deserved a post. I've looked up other public libraries in other states and territories, and it appears to be a standard offer. I've copied a few below. Of note, most require you to attend in person to access the temporary membership, which gets you library access for 3-12 months depending on the library. The Regional WA Consortium appears to be an outlier, in that you can access full membership (no time limit) without being a WA resident.
Obviously, signing up to the various libraries allows you to access and borrow physical library content, but more importantly allows access to elibrary content during, and potentially beyond, the length of your actual stay in the area.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
City of Darwin Library:
" Lite Membership is a temporary membership type designed for both visitors and NT residents who may not be able to provide photo identification and/or proof of NT residence. Lite Membership is valid for 12 months, gives you access to the online resources and allows you to borrow three items at a time. Please visit the library to become a Lite Member. To obtain a Lite membership, you will need to provide some form of identification, such as a bank card, employee ID card, heathcare card, medicare card or other photo ID" https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries/borrow/join-the-libra…
In the NT, the libraries have the Connect NT network. All current Northern Territory public library membership cards are accepted at any other Northern Territory public library.
eResources: Libby, Borrowbox https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries/borrow/digital-librar…
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia State Library:
"If you are not a Western Australian resident, you can still join the Library to use our computers and access electronic resources on State Library computers within the building. You can also request a visiting researcher's membership." https://www.wa.gov.au/service/cultural-affairs/collection-ac…
eResources: Libby, Borrowbox, Hoopla, PressReader, Flipster https://slwa.wa.gov.au/eresources
City of Perth Library:
"Temporary membership. In some circumstances, people who are visiting Western Australia or who are unable to meet the conditions outlined above may be granted a temporary membership. Temporary memberships are valid for three months. Temporary members may borrow up to two items at a time."
https://perth.wa.gov.au/community/community-services-and-fac…eResources: Libby, Borrowbox, Freegal, PressReader, Hoopla, Kanopy, Beamafilm
Regional WA Library Consortium (all non-Perth public libraries)
"Membership is free and can be obtained by visiting the library with photo ID and proof of address.Visiting Membership is available for all WA residents. Free Membership is restricted to people living in Australia but temporary membership is available for visitors to our beautiful city." https://library.albany.wa.gov.au/using-the-library.aspx
eResources: Libby, Borrowbox, Hoopla, Kanopy https://library.albany.wa.gov.au/eresources/read-watch-liste…
TASMANIA
Tasmanian Public library:
"Visitors can apply in person at any of our libraries for a 3 month membership. This entitles you to borrow physical items such as books, magazines and DVDs." https://libraries.tas.gov.au/public-libraries/membership/how…
eResources: Libby, Borrowbox, uLibrary, NewsReader, PressReader, Beamafilm
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Libraries SA:
"If you live outside of South Australia, you can be granted a temporary membership. This type of membership applies whether you live in another State or Territory of Australia, or are visiting from overseas. A temporary membership allows you to borrow a maximum of five items at a time and will expire after three months. It also allows you to access the public WiFi networks available in most public libraries in South Australia." https://library.light.sa.gov.au/about/who-can-join/
All SA libraries use 'the One Card', which allows you to borrow from any public library in South Australia https://www.libraries.sa.gov.au/client/en_AU/sapubliclibrari…
* eResources: Libby, Borrowbox
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane City Library: doesn't offer any membership to non-Brisbane residents, you must have proof of a Brisbane address https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council…
State Library of Queensland: doesn't offer any membership to non-Qld residents. https://patron.slq.qld.gov.au/Register
Moreton Bay Council Libraries: "You can join Moreton Bay Region Libraries if you live, work or study in the region. You can also join if you live in a neighbouring region, i.e. Brisbane City Council, Somerset Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Region or Noosa Shire Council, or are visiting the Moreton Bay Region temporarily. Library membership is free, there are fees and charges for some services. A membership is valid for 2 years, after which you just need to renew online or visit us in the library." https://library.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSG…
* eResources: Libby, Borrowbox, HooplaLogan City Council Libraries: No temporary membership offer. "Any residents of Queensland may join as a member. If you live outside of Queensland and only need to use the internet while travelling through Logan, membership is free. However, if you would like to borrow items there is a $20 fee. This fee is refundable by cheque upon closing membership and return of all items. Bring proof of your permanent address, and if possible, where you are staying locally." https://loganlibraries.org/service/get-a-library-card/
Sunshine Coast Libraries: Free online membership for any Australian resident. "If you are 16 or over, you can become an online member of Sunshine Coast Libraries. Use your online membership to book computers, print and copy, access the eLibrary and make reservations. To upgrade to a full membership with borrowing privileges, visit your local library." https://sunshinecoast.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/O…
* eResources: CloudLibrary, Libby, Hoopla, Borrowbox, uLibrary, PressReaderGold Coast Libraries: " Temporary online-only membership. If you can't get to a library, Gold Coast residents can join as a temporary online-only member to access to our great collection of digital resources." "Visitors can sign up for temporary membership, ideal for holidays or short trips to the Gold Coast. Residents of neighbouring Queensland local government areas – Scenic Rim, Brisbane, Logan and Redland Councils – can join Gold Coast Libraries as a reciprocal member. Other Queensland residents can join on a six-month membership. For interstate residents here for a longer stay, we also offer fee-based membership with the same benefits that locals enjoy." https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/libraries/About/Membership
An honourable (non-Australian) mention also goes to the Chicago Public library, which you can sign up to online (register using a Chicago address) and then access ebooks and audiobooks etc. https://www.chipublib.org/get-a-library-card/
That's awesome! Thanks for the information OP. When we were holidaying in Adelaide we went to the kids story time as they are always free.