August 11, 2023

8 Ways the Library May Save You Money

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited your local library, you might be surprised at just how many resources they have available to the community—for free. Many of us have borrowed books and know how that works, but there are several other ways a library can save you money. In fact, nowadays you don’t even need to step foot into a library since so many of the resources are available digitally. And getting a card to your local library is free and applications can often easily be filled out online.

Here are some of the services your local library most likely offers that can save you money while enriching your mind and expanding your horizons.

Online books, magazines and newspapers: We allMany of us know that libraries have loads of books covering nearly all genres and by borrowing instead of purchasing them, you can save quite a bit of money. But many libraries also offer access to millions of e-books, digital magazines and newspapers that you can easily download and read on your e-reader, computer or smartphone. These can be accessed on your public library’s website by downloading free streaming apps that your library may use, such as Libby or hoopla. Audiobooks can be also downloaded directly to your computer or smartphone, which can be fun to listen to in the car or while on a walk.

Movies, TV shows and music: Libraries often have extensive collections of popular movies, TV shows and music that you can check out for free, but often with shorter rental periods. They may not have all the latest releases, but you can usually find a variety of titles from classics to current, and it’s a great source of free entertainment. You can check out DVDs, Blu-rays and CDs from your local library or digitally online with apps that your local library may use, like hoopla or Kanopy.

Access to computers and printers: If you don't have a computer, printer or reliable Internet access at home, the library can be a valuable resource. Most libraries offer free computer use with high speed Internet connectivity as well as printers and scanners. Typically, you can also use a copy machine at a library to make a copy of anything that you need to. Many libraries also offer remote printing from your home computer.

Online classes, park and museum passes: Are you looking to try a new hobby or learn a new skill? From learning a new language to taking an online cooking class, many public libraries offer free access to thousands of online courses through sites such as LinkedIn Learning or SkillShare. You can also get free or discounted local museum and park passes through most public libraries.

Clubs and programs: Want to join a local book club? Find a weekly meet up with a sewing group? Listen to an author do a reading from their book? The library is a great place to start. In addition to quiet places to read, many libraries reserve parts of the building to host a variety of group activities. Many of these activities are free, which provides you with daily entertainment without having to open up your wallet. Check your local library website or your library’s bulletin board for information on upcoming events. Many libraries also have email lists you can subscribe to and will send you information on these in their email digests.

Discounted books: Have a book you love that you want to purchase? Or maybe you love collecting books at home. The library can be a great place to restock your collection. Many libraries sell pre-read books at discount prices. Some host biannual book sales, while others have an ongoing for sale section somewhere in the building. This helps a library to clear out its selection of duplicate books and allows you to bring home new reading material at discount prices.

Discount and free passes to local attractions: Been craving a day of history? Ready for a taste of the great outdoors? Your library may be able to help! Some libraries offer discounted or free passes to local state parks and museums. Others have discounted tickets for local zoos and aquariums. Ask your local library for a list of local attractions that your card may grant you free or discounted access to.

No more late fees: That’s right—all across America a number of libraries are no longer implementing late fees, as the American Library Association deemed it a form of social inequity. This has not only helped bring patrons back who had locked accounts due to unpaid late fees, but also libraries have been able to recover thousands of unreturned items. This way you don’t have to be pressured to finish your book by a certain date. This also allows you to be able to check out more books at once, which can save you trips to the library and the gas that driving there and back involves!