Photo: DavidPinoPhotography (Shutterstock)
No matter what happens in the world, your local library remains an oasis of calm—a place where you can teach yourself, conduct research, or simply find a quiet space during your busy day. But modern libraries are a lot more than just book repositories; they’ve evolved into community hubs that offer a wide range of services you may not even be aware of.
If you’ve got a library card in your wallet that you haven’t pulled out since you first received it, you’re probably missing out on a long list of perks that are almost always free. Here are some of the things you never knew you could do with your library card.
Digital media and streaming
Netflix just raised its subscription fees, and there’s little doubt that streaming is going to keep getting increasingly expensive. The good news is that your library card actually gives you access to some of the best streaming options around—all completely free.
First and foremost, your library card probably gives you access to Kanopy, a library- and university-specific streaming platform. While there’s a focus on international and “artsy” film and television there, Kanopy offers a huge collection of films, TV shows, and documentaries, including blockbusters and all-time classics. You also likely have access to Libby and Hoopla, which offer access to even more movies and shows—plus eBooks, audiobooks, comics, and streaming music.
Meeting space
If you have a club or organization that meets up in person, you know that holding these meetings in your home isn’t always ideal. Between kids and pets interrupting everything and the frantic dash to tidy up before everyone arrives, there’s an extra level of stress that distracts from your core mission. However, most libraries have meeting spaces you can reserve—for free—if you have a library card. And libraries also have much of the equipment you might need, including free wifi, computers, copiers, and overhead projectors.
Free admission to museums and zoos
Your library card doesn’t just get you into the library, friend. It’s actually kind of an all-access culture pass that can get you into museums, zoos, public gardens, and other sites. In fact, you can spend weeks just visiting all the cultural institutions in your area without spending a dime just by flashing your library card—although in some cases you’ll have to go online and sign up first. But that’s a small price to pay for having no price to pay when you show up with the family in tow.
Adult education
Lifelong learning is important. Keeping your mind sharp, your horizons broad, and your career skills up-to-date is a good thing to do, especially as you get older. Your library card probably offers you access to a surprisingly robust slate of adult education classes. For example, most libraries have arrangements with language learning tools like Rosetta Stone and Mango. And many libraries also offer free access to Universal Class courses to their cardholders. You can choose from hundreds of courses in areas like business, personal development, computers, and accounting.
Career assistance
Looking to change jobs but you’re uncertain how to go about it? If you need job training, job hunting advice, or resume services, your local library can probably help. And if you need a computer and internet connection to look for jobs or conduct Zoom interviews, libraries can help you there, as well. If your interview is in person, many libraries also have “fashion libraries” where you can borrow suits for physical interviews.
Musical instruments, tools, and gadgets
Think your library is just a place filled with books and retirees browsing the internet? Think again. Most modern libraries allow you to borrow a lot more than books. The list of things you can borrow includes musical instruments, tools for home improvement projects, and even technology like laptops and tablets. Your local library may not offer every one of these services, but chances are it offers at least some of them.
