Quick Summary
Some U.S. public libraries offer free access to Udemy through Gale—but only if you qualify by address, IP, or library membership. Here’s how to (possibly) make that work from outside the U.S.
M Lazy, Look 
Pretend you’re in Texas, get a library card online, match your VPN to that state, then unlock full Udemy access through Gale like a polite digital pirate.
How the Backdoor Works (and Sometimes Doesn’t)
Certain U.S. public libraries partner with Gale Presents: Udemy to give patrons free course access. However, it’s not as simple as just having a library card.
You’ll often need:
An address in the right U.S. state
An IP address from that same state (yes, they geo-check)
Library eligibility (sometimes they verify ID or residency)
This guide shows what’s possible and where the roadblocks are.
LAPL Shortcut (Now With Warning Flags)
Los Angeles Public Library e-Card
- This was once the fastest method, but it’s only available to L.A. City residents.
- Sign-up requires you to truthfully claim L.A. residency.
- Using a fake address or VPN might work temporarily—but it’s against their terms and likely to get you blocked.
LAPL E-Card Signup (If You Qualify)
Houston Public Library (PDF Route No Longer Public)
This was previously flexible, but the offline PDF link is now gone. However, help is still available.
You can request a card or ask how to apply if you’re in Texas or have trouble with the form.
Use:
- Virtual Houston address:
500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77002 - TextNow U.S. number (713 area code)
- VPN set to Texas
Then log in at: https://link.gale.com/apps/UDEMY
Select “Houston Public Library”
Other Libraries That Work (State Geo-Checks Apply)
| Library | State | Application Link | Geo-Locked? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County PL | TX | Apply |  Yes |
| Austin PL | TX | Apply | Yes |
| Denver PL | CO | Apply | Yes |
| EBR Parish (Louisiana) | LA | Apply | Yes |
Access requires your IP to match the state of the library. Use a VPN that lets you pick the exact U.S. state.
Pirate’s Toolkit (The Upgraded Version)
The Essentials
| Tool | What It Does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| TextNow | Free U.S. phone number | textnow.com |
| Anytime Mailbox / iPostal1 | Virtual U.S. mailing address | anytime / ipostal1 |
| Fakenamegenerator | Generate full U.S. identity sets | fakenamegenerator.com |
| Windscribe VPN / UrbanVPN / TunnelBear | Spoof your IP to required U.S. state | VPNs galore |
| Opera Browser | Built-in free VPN if you’re lazy | opera.com |
| Temp Mail | Use temporary email for retries | temp-mail.org |
| Ninite | Install all VPNs + browsers in one click | ninite.com |
| Gale Library Checker | Find libraries that support Gale Udemy | link.gale.com |
Pro tip: If one VPN IP doesn’t work, just change servers or switch VPN providers. Some VPN IPs are blacklisted by libraries—nothing personal, just digital fencing.
What Doesn’t Work (Don’t Waste Time)
- Brookline Public Library Login Hack: Needs real account—link won’t magically open Udemy for you.
- Philadelphia Free Library: Offers LinkedIn Learning, not Udemy.
- Using VPN alone: You also need a valid library card from the right state.
- Houston’s PDF Form: Link is dead. Use AskHPL support instead.
Final Pirate Tip
Don’t apply to 10 libraries in one day using the same fake IP, same email, and same identity. You’re not hacking Fort Knox; you’re just asking for educational crumbs politely… with a little disguise.
If one plank breaks, switch ships—not your soul. 
!