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Looking for a great new place to pick up your next audiobook, movie, or even toys for the little ones; all for free? Well it just so happens, that you can get all of those things at your local public library. Keep on reading to learn how to save money by taking advantage of these 37 public library benefits.
Table of Contents
Books
It should come as no surprise that you can borrow books at the library. However, the selection may surprise you. Most libraries carry a wide selection of topics ranging from kid’s books to biographies to home repair (heck, some even offer comic books). If you can think of the topic, there’s a good chance they’ll have a book on it.
Also, if you’re looking to save money on college books, your public library is a great place to start. Many offer books for high school and college students, especially classic literature or more popular titles. However, they’ll most likely have a limited supply, so make sure to reserve your book well in advance of starting class.
Related: How to Save Money as a College Student
eBooks
Many libraries have access to electronic books (ebooks) that you can check out just like a library book. The ones that do offer ebooks use a service like Overdrive (my library calls it Jasmine Digital Library, but it’s powered by Overdrive) or rbdigital.
Audiobooks and e-audiobooks
If you’re like me, you enjoy digesting information in many different ways. Sometimes it’s convenient to read, but other times (like when you’re driving), it’s easier to listen to an audiobook.
Many libraries still carry books on CD, but most now also have access to electronic audiobooks (e-audiobooks). They typically offer them through the same services as the ebooks.
I’m a huge fan of the Great Courses series of audiobooks and it just so happens, my public library offers 166 titles, so for that benefit alone, I’m a huge fan!
Movies (DVDs and Streaming Services)
Most libraries offer both DVDs and digital copies of movies for rent through a streaming platform like hoopla. Many even carry new releases, so before you pay for a streaming service or rent a movie, you may want to see what your public library has to offer.
Magazines and e-magazines
Most libraries offer both physical copies of magazines (some allow you to check them out, others make you read them there) and electronic magazines through a service like rbdigital. Before you sign up for a costly magazine subscription, check out what magazines your local public library has to offer.
Newspapers
Most libraries carry subscription(s) to local, regional, and national newspapers. If you’re a news buff, you may want to visit your local library a few times a week to stay current.
Music (CD and Electronic)
Most libraries still offer a large selection of CDs of all genres that you can check out for a set time.
In addition, many libraries also offer access to digital music as well through services like hoopla. There’s usually a set amount you can borrow each month, but if you have an album or song you’ve been dying to hear, this is a great, FREE way to do it. Plus, after listening, if you really love it you can always buy the album or song after the fact to support that artist.
Internet/Wi-Fi
If you aren’t a heavy internet user, you may want to consider either downgrading your internet services or eliminating them altogether and just using the free Wi-Fi service at your local public library. In addition, you don’t even have to own a computer, the library typically has free computers and other electronics for you to use while you’re there!
Computers and Other Office Equipment
In addition to computers, most libraries also offer access to printers, scanners, shredders, etc. Many offer these services for free or at a very low cost.
Career and Job-Hunting Resources
On the hunt for a new job? Let your public library help!
Many libraries offer access to resources and programs such as online certification courses and career guidance, as well as links to other programs delivered by your state and local government (city, county, municipality, etc.) or charities.
Related: Job Interview Preparation: Questions, Answer, Tips, & Tricks
Research Help
Looking to connect to your roots? Looking for research papers to help inform your thesis? Well, look no further than your local public library! Many offer access to ancestry and genealogy research and resources, research databases for academic papers and articles, etc.
Each library is a little different in this regard, visit your public library to see what research services they have to offer.
Special Events
Looking for a source of free entertainment? a way to connect with your community? Look no further than your public library. Many offer special events like movie marathons, fun days (where family’s do activities like crafts, play board games, and/or with toys like LEGOs), or even special cultural events around the holidays (Easter egg hunts, Christmas caroling, Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, etc.).
Kid Entertainment
In addition to events for families and adults, they also have events geared exclusively towards kids. These include events like story time or games and crafts days. In addition, some libraries even offer full-time kid’s play areas.
Book Clubs and Summer Reading Programs
Many libraries offer access to book clubs (typically for adults) and a summer reading program for the whole family. Our local library even makes it a game by tracking progress, awarding points based on your activity, and even providing prizes!
Online Education Resources for Kids
Many libraries also offer great online resources for kids ranging the whole gamut of ages. These can range from books, to television programs, to interactive online games.
Homeschooling Resources and Support
Our local library provides resources to parents who are homeschooling. They provide workshops to help parents both connect with other home school parents as well as resources to help your children get the most out of homeschooling.
Discounted Admission to Local Attractions
Many libraries partner with local attractions to provide discounts to their card holders. These can include museums, aquariums, zoos, theaters, etc. Before you take the family out for entertainment, see what kind of discounts you can score just by being a member of your local public library.
Performing Arts
Some libraries host performing arts programs for kids that are either free or affordable. Unfortunately, our local library doesn’t offer this, but you should check to see if yours does. If you do have access and have an interested thespian in the making, this is a great (and otherwise inexpensive) way to introduce your kids to performing at a young age.
Personal Development Workshops
Some libraries offer access to workshops on hard skills like coding or the Microsoft suite of software, soft skills like public speaking and leadership, and even just informational workshops around topics like personal finance or health.
Unfortunately, our public library doesn’t offer this currently, but other venues like churches, local charities, and even local colleges nearby provide some access to personal development workshops in our area.
Also, just because your library doesn’t offer in-person workshops for personal development doesn’t mean they don’t have resources for self-learning from programs like Lynda (Linkedin Learning).
Craft and Hobby Classes
For whatever reason, our local library has a lot of needlework (knitting, quilting, crocheting) and adult coloring classes. In addition, they also have an adult craft program where you essentially try a new craft each week.
If you are looking for a new hobby, you should see what classes your local library has to offer. If you already have a craft or hobby you enjoy and they don’t already have classes or meetups, you should start talk to your library about starting one!
Celebrity Events
Is your area a hotbed for celebrity writers or artists? If so, there’s a good chance that your local library may have some events or workshops that feature these celebrities. These aren’t typically regular occurrences, so check your local library’s calendar frequently to catch the next one.
Tools
Believe it or not, some public libraries offer access to a tool lending library (TLL). Essentially the library keeps a collection of tools to be used for public use in completing various projects.
Even if your local public library doesn’t offer it, there may be an organized community TLL or a city or municipality sponsored TLL that is separate from your library. If your interested, search for TLLs nearby on websites like LocalTool.org.
Artwork
Some libraries offer a rotating gallery of artwork by local artists. In addition to being able to view art, some cities and public libraries allow you to borrow art for free at an art lending library. Check out your local public library and city to see if you have an art lending library nearby.
Instruments
Many libraries are starting to offer instrument lending services. When I first heard about this, the idea sounded kind of gross to me, but after I saw that they were instruments you don’t stick in your mouth (thank god!) like percussion, string, and electric string instruments, I started to warm on the idea. If you have a little one who’s interested in music or if your interested yourself, you should check out your library and see if they offer an instrument lending service.
Hobby Supplies
Similar to office supplies, some public libraries also carry non-perishable hobby supplies like fishing poles, birding kits, wood-burning toolkits, needlework beginner’s kits, and even GoPro kits. Before you dive head first into a hobby (or purchase new supplies for an existing hobby), you should check your local library to see if you can borrow it first.
Cooking Tools
In addition to hobby supplies, some public libraries also carry non-perishable cooking and party supplies like specialized cake pans, cake decorating turntables and supplies, cookie cutters, tables, benches, etc. So instead of going out and buying that absurdly expensive party cake, it might not be a bad idea to check if your public library offers cooking tools and make the cake yourself using a specialized pan from your local library.
iPads, Game Consoles, Laptops, and more
Some libraries even loan popular electronics like iPads, game consoles, projectors, blu-ray players, etc. In addition, many carry video games that go with the consoles.
Be careful, however, many of these items are expensive, so if you accidentally damage or lose them, you’ll be on the hook for the replacement cost.
Toys
Does your child get bored with new toys shortly after getting them? If so, why not borrow a constant supply of “new” toys from your local public library. Toys at public libraries are typically geared towards children ages 0-8 years, but they may carry toys for kids 8+ like LEGOs or Gears.
Community Gardening
This certainly doesn’t apply to all public libraries and isn’t exclusive to libraries, but if you have a small yard not suitable for gardening and have a gardening itch, you should find out if your library offers a community garden.
If they don’t, do some research at your local community, city, municipality, and county websites and offices to see if there are any you can join nearby.
Seeds
Some libraries offer a seed exchange, which is just how it sounds. You borrow seeds to plant in your garden, you grow the plants, and when it’s time to harvest, you return the seeds to the seed exchange.
Science Kits
Some libraries offer different kits related to topics in science such as geology, electronics, coding, etc. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) even has a program called Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) that raises funds for public libraries to make science kits more easily available.
Board Games
Our local library has nearly 70 board games that you can check out for one week, with up to two renewals. If you are looking for a game to play the next time family game night rolls around, check out your public library’s board game collection!
Makerspaces
Makerspaces are a relatively new service being provided by some public libraries. In a nutshell, they are places for people to gather and collaboratively share ideas, invent, and use high-tech tools like 3D printers, vinyl cutters, CNC machines, sewing machines, and electronics equipment to create.
Advice and Help
Many public libraries provide help, advice, and classes related to things like filing your taxes, benefit applications, home foreclosure prevention, etc.
Our local library provides AARP tax assistance to people of all ages.
In addition, the United Way provides access to a list of free services ranging from free assistance with benefit applications to parent support classes to financial education classes.
Meeting Spaces
Do you own a small business, but work out of your home? Maybe you’re a student and don’t like the usual study scene at the local coffee shop because you know you’ll be pressured to pay $5 for a cup of coffee. Well, you’re in luck; many public libraries offer a space for free. Whether you need to study or hold a meeting, the library is a great, FREE place to do it.
Language Classes
Interested in learning a new language? In addition to books on the topic, many libraries now offer access to language learning software.
Even if your library doesn’t, there’s plenty of free apps now that can get you started like Duolingo or Babbel.
Test Preparation
Have a huge test coming up like the SAT, GRE, or a professional license exam (MCAT, LSAT, PE exam, etc.)? Well, before you shell over hundreds or even thousands of dollars, check out your public library first. Many have access to books on these topics as well as classes and other online resources.
How to Take Advantage of Public Library Benefits and Save Money
If reading this list of 37 money saving benefits has convinced you to join and take advantage of your local public library, let me show you how.
So, how do you get started?
- Get a library card.
- Visit the website of your library to see what they require to obtain a library card. It’s usually an ID (driver’s license usually suffices) and proof of residency (county/city tax bill, utility bill, etc.). It’s usually free to join and some even let you register electronically.
- Visit the website, then ask a librarian.
- Start with a quick visit to the library’s website to see what services they offer. If you have any questions regarding: the services they offer, upcoming events, or maybe even starting a book club or hobby club/class, talk to a librarian. They should have the most up-to-date information and may have a few tips or pointers that won’t be found anywhere else.
- Setup an online account.
- In order to gain access to the electronic copies of books, movies, and magazines, as well as the other digital services offered, you’ll need to sign up for an online account with the library. Your library card should be all you need to get started.
- Install relevant apps.
- If your library uses certain apps to deliver free online content, you may want to go ahead and install them on whatever electronic devices you’ll be using to take advantage of these free benefits.
- Take advantage of inter-library loan.
- Don’t see a book, movie, or CD you’re looking for? Many libraries are part of a larger county or city network of libraries. Talk to your librarian about finding and borrowing the item from another library in-network.
- Check the calendar.
- Most libraries have an online calendar that tells you in advance when certain events are scheduled to occur. If you don’t want to miss a special event, make sure to check the calendar regularly.
What public library benefits do you take advantage of?