What Your Library Can Do for You

A quick visit to your library’s website will introduce you to a wide range of services you might not expect. Here are eights surprising ways your library may be able to help you.

1. Research assistance 

Do you need help looking into something? Your local library can help. They have computers that you can use and tons of databases for you to browse. So if you need to track down a repair manual from an older appliance that you lost or some information on the value of a collection you own, the library is a great place to start. 

2. Check out more than books

Sure, your local library has racks and racks full of physical books. But you may also be able to check out other materials from the library. This includes eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Download apps like Overdrive and Libby, which require you to input your library card. Then you can download an audiobook right into the app. You can also use apps like Hoopla, Freegal, and Kanopy in conjunction with your library card to stream movies, music and television shows. This can save you money on all kinds of streaming services and cable packages. 

3. Genealogy research

Some libraries can help you to track down your family tree with their genealogy toolkits. The Los Angeles library, for instance, can link patrons to California county genealogy indexes, access files about Californians throughout history and navigate third party genealogy databases. So if you feel like looking deeper into your ancestors, give your local library a visit. It’s a great place to start!

4. Access to computers, Internet and Wi-Fi

Your local library has computers that you can use to do everything from check your email to look something up and more. Most libraries across the country have free on-site internet access, and some even have take-home Wi-Fi hotspots so that you can use these services in your home if you find yourselves without Wi-Fi access. 

5. Discount museum passes

Did you know that if you have a library card, you may be eligible for discounted and even sometimes free tickets to local establishments? Some libraries offer museum passes that you can reserve for art museums, children’s museums, aquariums and even local zoos. Your local library may also offer free and discounted tickets to state parks. 

6. Classes and workshops

From Spanish classes to gardening workshops, book clubs and beyond, you can sign up for all sorts of events at your local library. You can even find fun children’s events to do with your grandkids. The St. Louis County Library, for instance, hosts an adult summer reading club and family scavenger hunts. You can even take some virtual classes if you’re unable to get to the library in person. 

7.  Printing, scanning and photocopying

Need to print something but don’t have a printer at home? Want to make a photocopy of an important document? Or maybe you need to scan a form and send it into a doctor’s office. The library can help with all of these services. The Chicago Library, for instance, allows you to print up to $1.50 worth of documents for free, then charges $.15 for one-sided papers and $.25 for two-sided after that.

8. A place to meet or work

Are you looking for a room to host a meeting? A quiet workspace? Want to kick back and read in some new scenery? The library has all that covered and more. Visiting the Omaha Nebraska Library website, for instance, allows you to reserve a room ahead of time, pending availability. Check your local library to see what types of rooms and spaces they have available and take advantage of it.