You probably think all you can do with your library card is check out free books or movies. But your library card is actually a ticket to a lot of free perks and benefits that you probably don’t even know about. And the best part? It’s free to get a library card, no matter how old you are.
Here are the 12 best things you can get for free with your library card:
Ever want to read a New York Times or Wall Street Journal article but find that you’ve run out of free articles? That’s when it’s time to use your library card.
Many libraries have deals with national newspapers where you can read online articles for free with your card. It might take a few minutes to get access, but it’s better than paying for a subscription. You may also have access to local or regional publications, depending on what your library provides.
If you’re a big fan of ebooks and audiobooks, you may be able to use the Libby app to find a wide selection of them. The Libby app should be free with your library membership.
Libby users can borrow ebooks and audiobooks and place holds, just like with a regular physical book. Users can download the Libby app on a tablet or e-reader and use it everywhere they go. Just make sure to read the books by the due date — they may be automatically removed from your device if there’s a waitlist.
If you’re trying to save on movie or TV streaming subscriptions, your library can help.
Indie movie fans are missing out if they don’t have a Kanopy subscription. Kanopy is a free movie streaming service that might be included with your library card.
Hoopla is another popular addition if you have a library card. Hoopla carries TV shows, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music, and more.
Between those two services, you might be able to cancel your other streaming services. Sure, your selection might be more limited, but you can still find plenty of options if you’re open-minded.
Being a tourist in your own city is a great way to soak up local culture. Many libraries have free passes you can borrow to get admission to local museums, attractions and more. Some libraries, especially in outdoorsy states, also have free passes to state or national parks.
If your city has a bikeshare program, your library may have free passes to that as well.
Using your library correctly can make you smarter — even more than you might think. Some libraries have special prep courses you can utilize if you’re sitting for an advanced test, like the GMAT. Paying for these courses out-of-pocket could run you hundreds of dollars — or even more.
During tax time, libraries often host volunteers to help with free tax prep. This is a huge boost if you can’t afford professional tax help.
The library isn’t just a place to get free books — it’s also a de facto community center. Most libraries have a variety of free events that they plan for cardholders. Go to your library’s website or visit in person to see what is on their event calendar. And don’t think their events are only for kids - there are plenty of activities for adults as well.
Want to start a garden? The library can help. Many libraries have a seed library, which lets you get free seeds to start or enhance your garden. Plus, some libraries even have gardening tools that you can borrow or free gardening classes to teach you how to become a green thumb.
Some public libraries will let you check out a physical internet hotspot so you can have internet on the go. This is perfect if you need WiFi, but don’t have access to it at home.
You may still need to plug in the hotspot, and not all libraries offer this service. But this can be a great option if you're traveling domestically and need a hotspot to check your email or do some work.
If you think that libraries are just for eggheads, think again. Many libraries have a roster of tools you can borrow, for a variety of home repair or improvement projects.
Some libraries even have sewing machines you can borrow — perfect if you need a quick sewing fix but don't want to buy a machine. They may even have knitting or crocheting needles. In some cases, some libraries even have a free 3D printer to use. Some libraries still have fax machines or a scanner if you need one.
If you need to bake a special dessert, you know you can get a cookbook from the library. But did you know you can also get the baking tools you need?
Some libraries have a variety of different bakeware items that you can check out for free. Make sure to clean the tools before using them and try to bring them back in pristine condition.
Whether you’re looking for a new job or just got laid off, the library may be able to help. Many libraries offer career services, including help crafting your resume or cover letter, job training and more. These services may only be available during certain times so be sure to double-check before coming in.
You can also get free access to a printer, which can be especially helpful if you need to print documents for a job interview.
If you think that the point of a library is just to get you to read more, you’re wrong. Many libraries also have a large supply of board games and puzzles to borrow. This is perfect if you want to have a big game night with your friends or want to try out a game before buying it. Some libraries also have a bring one, keep one system when it comes to games or puzzles.
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