Libraries are much more than shelves of books. Most of us never realize what valuable things we can get from our libraries– and all for free!
The library is like a second home to my family and me. We go there for so many reasons! Obviously to check out delicious books, but that is only one treasure behind those library doors. Here are ten tips for getting the most out of your library resources:
1. School and Self-Study Books
This seems pretty obvious. Go find that book just waiting for you to read it and conquer the world (aka your college admission application) !
The library holds so much potential for bettering your future through extra study! From books about cooking to business management, professional photography to veterinary studies- the library’s got it! I hope to share in another post how my brother got a head start on his college degree this way. 🙂
2. Free Wifi
Hooray! Who doesn’t love free wifi?? When my family dropped our internet for economic reasons, we would drive to the library for wifi connection.
Students- need internet access to do your homework? Internet is expensive; just save with the library!
3. Movies and Music
Stop paying to stream the latest movies, just check them out from the library at no cost! My library has shelves and shelves of dvds and cds. The staff does an amazing job keeping up with the newest releases! I’ve been surprised to find a movie, just recently in theaters, at our library soon after. Time for a frugal weekend at home!
4. Free Classes
Our library always has really cool, free classes going on! So far we have attended two writing and publishing how-tos by a local New York Times bestselling author. Also a series of small business start-up classes taught by business consultants. The library calendar shows TONS of other classes including: writing, music, craft skills, business, drawing, and more!
5. Books to Buy
Really? At a library? Yes. Two words- BOOK SALE! Some libraries have gigantic annual book sales; while others have an area always dedicated to a book sale. Did I mention that we go there every week? And did I further mention that day happens to be when everything in the already-cheap book sale is half off? I promise, this arrangement was purely coincidental. 😀
6. Volunteer Hours
Need to get in some volunteer hours? At my library there are different teen volunteer opportunities — a one time job or more long term jobs. Sounds doable right?
Is your library looking for volunteers? I encourage you to find out!
7. Audio Library
My family has access to multiple online audiobook libraries through our library cards- fantasticness at zero cost! I love to download an audiobook onto my phone, pop earbuds in, and listen to a novel while cleaning my room. Multi-tasking here we come! 😉
8. Study Rooms
In addition to large tables and cushy chairs situated by electrical outlets, we also have study rooms- bright and airy with glass walls. They each hold up to six people, and can be booked up to two hours a day, twice a week! For a larger group our library offers small conference rooms also by reservation.
9. Scripts/Magazines/Comic Books/Wall Art?!
My library’s rich treasures don’t stop at books and movies- oh no! We can even borrow a script for a play, magazine issues, and comic books! Recently my mom shocked me with the info that I can check out cool posters and copies of famous art to have in my room for a little while. Like, whaat?! Neato! Let’s just say the spectacular and dramatic painting of The Lady of Shalott is currently hanging above my bed. 😀
10. Fun Events!
Libraries host lots of events for kids, teens, adults, and whole families! Things like outdoor movie showings, book clubs, plays by local drama teams and school groups, teen pizza parties, DIY crafts (some pretty cool ones too), music performances, etc. etc. Just a tip though, if you go to see a local pipe and drum corps perform (meaning… BAGPIPES) bring earplugs to dampen the volume a little! 🙂
“The IDEA Center” is a fantastic room my library just opened after lots of exciting mysteriousness and construction work. This room is specifically dedicated to people with ideas. More specifically- people with business ideas! That’s right, our library loves entrepreneurs! Just a few things it includes- computers, entrepreneur/business books, a table for meetings, and- get this… a green screen and a 3D printer! Aaah! S.C.O.R.E (retired business CEOs/executives) comes to the library at set times to offer its help developing business plans. Super valuable opportunity right there for a budding teenprenuer!
Not every library is the same, and mine might be over the top phenomenal; but do you know what free opportunities your library resources offers? I encourage you to find out!
Are you a book piggy like me? Do you think libraries/books are the best things ever? Then here’s a bonus tip: go read these two books I discovered- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.
This article was very interesting and helped me learn about how to make the most of my local library. Previously I was unaware that the library had study rooms! I am so excited to visit my local library and use all of the resources I just learned about! Thanks!
I love getting free music and movies from my library!
Thank you for commenting, Kiya! I love to hear when my articles are helpful. 🙂
Enjoy your library! ~A
We love our library! We have one within walking distance that was recently completely remodeled. Our 3 year old loves to play in the kids area as well.
We have a new one near us as well. It’s so nice! 🙂
Great article! I would only add a few things that you might find at some of the nation’s leading public libraries:
1. Library of Things programs: Borrow a 3D-printer, cake pan, sewing machine, Chromebook, or ukulele! This is a trend in libraries nationwide, so check your local PL to see what unique offerings they may have.
2. Streaming Services: Many libraries are adding movie and music streaming services to their collections. These models are new and cost prohibitive to some libraries, but stay tuned as I think you are going to see more of this happening across the nation.
3. Highly Trained Staff: Most library staff members have diverse educational and career backgrounds. This makes for a unique group of people ready to answer any question and dive into any topic. Just ask!
(OK, secrets out, I’m a pubic librarian.) Awesome article and blog! Glad to hear you are taking so much value from your public library!!
I’ve heard of a library of things but wasn’t sure that the concept was widely used. This is all great information. Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
This is such a great article-thank you Eva!
I am amazed when people tell me they don’t use their library. I get all of my e-books from my library. Our library also gives us free access to Lynda.com which has video courses on almost any topic someone would want to learn!
Thanks so much Liz! I can’t take credit though, this was put together by Anna! I agree completely, I use the library all the time!
Public and private libraries are truly a wonderful resource. Books are expensive. I love to read and visit my library often. Another benefit is that some libraries are members of networks and can borrow hard to find or out of print books from larger libraries.
I’ve done that before. Once my library didn’t have the book I needed so they borrowed it from a library a couple of hours away. Very cool!
Depending on the size and resources, there are an amazing amount of services and “things” available at libraries at no charge.
The Denver Library has a “maker space” called “IdeaLAB” with 3D printers, electronics / soldering equipment, sewing machines, video equipment, and a small recording studio available for FREE.
Additionally, you can get free passes for some museums and state parks (free dates!).
I know of several small town libraries who have recreational equipment available for checkout including bikes, paddle boards, and cross-country skis.
PS: I am an old fart (mostly retired engineer) who volunteers at one of the Denver IdeaLABs. If you are in Denver, come visit and let’s make something!
Thank you! That all sounds so amazing, thank you for sharing!
Back when I went to middle school (twenty years ago now!) the local library was down the street from my school. I would walk to the library once a weeks after school instead of riding the bus home. Good times.
I wish ours was close enough to walk too!