You might assume that access to education and entertainment always comes at a cost. However, local libraries offer a wealth of free, useful, and fun services with their library card.
Whether you're a parent wanting children's programming, a student looking for research materials, or anyone in between, libraries can save you money all over the place.
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Libby App
When you get a library card, you aren't just getting access to whatever hard-copy books are available. You can also download Libby — it's free, and you sign in with the library card you already have. From there you can check out the ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines your library has.
My favorite Libby trick is to add multiple library cards to Libby. Here's the fine print worth reading: plenty of large library systems will issue a card to people outside their city — sometimes to anyone in the state, sometimes only to nearby towns with a reciprocal agreement, sometimes for a fee. Check the eligibility page first, and make sure the card includes ebooks and audiobooks. Some systems give reciprocal cardholders a card that only borrows physical books, which defeats the whole purpose.
Then, add that card to Libby, along with your local library card. You can then access their audiobooks in addition to whatever is in your local library.
By using this trick, I've never had to place holds and wait weeks for an audiobook!
Museum Tickets
Want to catch an exhibit at your local museum? Most libraries offer a set number of passes you can reserve with your library card and a valid ID. Most are free admission; a few are a steep discount instead. Limits vary a lot — some systems release the next month's passes at midnight on the first, and most cap you at one pass per museum per month or per year. Book early.
Different passes will have different limits on how many individuals can enter and, in some cases, youth can get in free.
Visit your local library website to view the details of available passes for your region.
READ MORE: How to Plan a Staycation Your Kids Will Love
Music Lessons
Always wanted to learn piano but the high cost has made lessons inaccessible for you?
Check with your local library to see if they offer free lessons. Many offer spaces and lessons with local teachers at no cost.
They are most likely booked month by month, so check availability to get on the schedule.
Your library may have instruments like keyboards, guitars, and drums available for checkout, too. Search your library's site for “Library of Things” — that's the umbrella these live under, along with hotspots, tools, and kits you'd never think to borrow. Los Angeles Public Library lends a ukulele kit with the case, chord book, and tuner included, three weeks at a time. Some systems also have music practice rooms you can book, which is a real gift if you live somewhere with thin walls.
Recording Studios
If you want to start your own podcast or YouTube channel like I did, start at your local library before buying or renting equipment. They often have studios available to reserve for free.
Equipment in your local library is often fairly high-quality, so you can avoid spending tons of money on a mic and camera before your creator journey has even begun.
Free Meeting Spaces
Many libraries have rooms of various sizes that members can reserve for free ahead of time.
If you’re planning a meeting, looking for study space, or hosting an event, check with your library first before renting space somewhere else.
My library even has makerspaces available with concrete floors and sinks, which are perfect for more artistic gatherings.
Programming for All Ages
Parents, fear not! Your library likely offers programming to keep your children engaged and entertained during summer and holiday breaks.
In fact, libraries offer events all year long, including connecting participants with their community through group hikes, arts and crafts classes, games, and more.
Drop in for chess club, sign up for a reading challenge, or go to a yoga class at no charge!
READ MORE: 12 Money-Saving Tips to Transform Your Finances in One Year
Online Courses
Certifications are a great way to get a pay bump at work, earn a specific qualification for a new job, or just enrich your life in general. However, most online courses cost a lot of money if they aren’t covered by your employer.
With your library card, you’ll have access to free online resources to upskill and get those certifications at no cost. The lineup changes from system to system and gets swapped out every so often, but most libraries offer something in this family — mine has Gale Presents: Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Pronunciator for languages, and a crafts-and-hobbies course library. Check your library's database list to see what's on yours.
Tip: Some libraries also proctor certification exams — availability comes and goes, so call ahead.
Computers, Printers, and Tech Support
Your library can help you navigate the latest and greatest advancements with technology-related events and one-on-one support. My library even has a 3D printer you can use for a small fee.
Libraries also offer free internet and computer usage. One of my favorite services comes from my days as a broke law student: printing. Most libraries give cardholders a free allotment and charge pennies a page after that — Los Angeles Public Library, for example, covers $6.25 of printing a day with your card, which is 25 black-and-white pages, and charges $0.25 a page beyond it. When I was in a pinch, that was the difference between a printed brief and a very awkward morning.
Entrepreneurial Assistance
Nothing connects the community quite like a library does, and if you’re starting a business, connections are everything.
Your library may offer free career services or business reference collections that help you grow your business, like market research, demographics tracking, and data on industry trends.
READ MORE: Starting an LLC: Costs, Benefits, and Steps to Create a Limited Liability Company
TL;DR: Free Library Resources Beyond Books
You can do way more at your library than just check out books. When you get a free library card, you’re gaining access to hundreds of new resources at no cost.
The services I’ve listed above aren’t an exhaustive list of what libraries have to offer and each will be unique to your area. So, head to the nearest branch of your local library, set up your free card, and take advantage of what your library has to offer.
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