When was the last time you visited your local library? If it’s been a while, now’s a great time to check it out.
Why’s that? While costs seem to be rising everywhere else, libraries are one of the few remaining sources of entertainment available to everyone at no cost.
Libraries offer books, of course, but they have so much more. Read on to discover seven easy ways you can save money by visiting your local library.
1. Check Out Books, E-Books, and Audiobooks
Libraries lend books to patrons for free. If you’ve taken a few books out before, you know how easy it is to check them out. Borrowing books provides a low-cost way to keep up with the latest bestsellers or find a new favorite.
Most libraries also now offer e-book checkouts for e-readers. You link your library card to the online checkout service and get books delivered to your e-reader for free.
In addition, audiobooks have enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past few years. Most libraries have a program that allows you to borrow these electronic materials to listen to books on your phone.
2. Rent Movies and Music
Did you know you can rent movies from your local library? While the library may not have every title that’s come out in the past year, many movie collections are surprisingly up to date with blockbusters and romantic comedies alike. Just keep in mind that rental times for movies and CDs are usually shorter than those for books. While you may get a book for two or three weeks, you may get a movie only for a week. Avoid fines by turning in your DVDs on time.
If you prefer music to movies, libraries also lend CDs to those with library cards. You can take out classical CDs that make a soothing background for reading, find some of your favorite contemporary artists and sample their work before downloading their latest albums, or just enjoy a throwback to listening to physical albums.
3. Read Newspapers and Magazines
Love reading the latest news but don’t want to pay for a newspaper subscription? Libraries often stock copies of daily newspapers from your hometown as well as some national publications to read on the premises.
Magazines feature some of the most interesting and relevant stories you can find in journalism today, but subscriptions can be expensive. Checking out magazines at the library saves you money while keeping you up to date on news and information.
4. Take a Free Class
Libraries provide lots of opportunities for free learning. Many offer classes on subjects the community has expressed interest in. You can typically find a calendar of upcoming events on your library’s website or request a paper copy at the circulation desk. Here are just a few things your library may provide instruction on:
- Yoga
- Knitting
- Scrapbooking
- Foreign languages
- Computer navigation
Most classes require pre-registration online or at the library, so make sure you check the schedule in advance.
5. Enroll in Clubs for Children and Teens
Libraries have excellent programs for kids. For instance, you may find a LEGO® building club geared toward kids ages five and up or a book club for tweens focused on graphic novels.
For teenagers, libraries can provide a place of belonging. Manga book clubs and Dungeons & Dragons® clubs are popular options. Most librarians love hearing from teens about activities they’d like to see at the library, so encourage your teen to speak up.
Libraries also offer story times for younger children to relax and become transported to another world. Some begin with groups for infants and parents and continue on to programming for preschoolers.
6. Enjoy Free Workspaces
Nearly every library offers free Wi-Fi. For employees who work from home, libraries allow them to get out of the house while still enjoying the quiet they need to concentrate on their work. Library workspaces are also great for people who are traveling and for students.
Most libraries also offer a space where you can print and scan documents. Some libraries charge a small fee, but it’s typically well under what you’d pay at a local copy or postal store.
7. Update Your Resume
Are you looking for a new job? Librarians can help with your search. Many libraries offer free classes on how to search for jobs and improve your resume. Librarians can point you to websites with examples of standout resumes in your field. They can also show you different online job boards. Plus, they can explain how to upload your resume in an electronic application.
Helpful, free advice from a librarian may be just what you need to land your dream job.
Libraries are a great way to enjoy your local community without breaking the bank. For more money-saving tips, visit our Resource Center page.
