Photo by Ashin K Suresh on Unsplash

Happy New Year! With the often high-spending period of the December holidays behind us, I decided to focus on the universe of “free,” specifically the planet known as, “your local library.”

Public libraries are supremely underrated. Not only do they and the hard-working librarians at them supply a wide array of information, knowledge, and educational materials, they ensure that everyone has access to it. (Public libraries are funded by tax dollars, so are an idyllic reminder that taxes make vital services attainable when put back into the community).

Thanks to libraries, there is a treasure trove of no additional cost (as you’ve already paid for it and guaranteed its existence via taxes — because you’re not a schlub who’s not paying your fair share of taxes, right?) at your fingertips.

Here are a few of its glorious crown jewels available with a library card:

Media

Of course a library has books. They also have magazines, newspapers, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and apps that allow you to access them from anywhere. Libby and hoopla offer movies, music, television, books, e-books, and audiobooks, Freegal allows you to stream and download music, and Kanopy is a streaming service filled with movies and TV shows.

Activities

Care to explore your city? Tour museums, zoos, gardens, and other cultural institutions by visiting your local library’s website and signing up for tickets (some libraries morph all of the available tickets into a single “culture pass” which you can sign up for online as well). Want to venture through nature? Check out a State Park pass!

Education

If you’re interested in any sort of online educational service, see if you already have access to it for free via your local library. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda), Mango Languages, Creativebug, 

LeaningExpress suite, the list of what’s available goes on and on. In addition to online tools, some libraries also offer in-person educational classes, workshops, and events for all kinds of subjects such as adult literacy, computers, finance, language, business, and more. The library is here to help you learn!

Technology

Computers, laptops, tablets, printers, internet, hotspots, scanners — I can personally attest that the library is essential for anyone who does not own a computer or have internet access at home. Check with your local library to find out what tech they have available (some even have sewing machines, 3D printers, and computers that include Adobe Creative Cloud) and the policies for using or checking it out.

Resources

The exact tangible resources available vary by library, but depending on where you’re located, a few examples might include KN-95 masks, COVID tests, food pantries, and citizenship guides. Should the library not have the exact resource that you’re looking for, an insightful librarian will most likely be able to help you find more information about it and where to obtain it.

Are you still reading? Get to the library already!

If you wish to check out library materials but are unable to go to your local public library, check their website or call them — many have programs available to deliver materials directly to your home and ensure accessibility to their services.