If you are an avid reader and still read physical books (because you like to touch and feel the pages), you probably have a library card.
And if you don’t, what are you waiting for?
I used to think my library card was just for borrowing books, and I was completely wrong.
It turns out my library card has a ton of cool little perks that can save me hundreds of dollars every year.
I’m not talking about dusty old reference materials.
I’m talking about free access to the exact same services people pay for every day.
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Table of Contents
Awesome Free Perks Your Library Card Gets You
Here’s the list of my favorite library perks that you should take advantage of.
1. Stream Movies and TV Shows for Free
With this, you may be able to cut one of your monthly streaming subscriptions and save money.
Most public libraries give members free access to Kanopy and Hoopla.
You can watch a ton of movies and TV shows absolutely free.
The best part?
You can watch without seeing a single ad!
All you need is your library card number to sign up.
2. Read Digital Magazines and Newspapers
Think about how much newspaper and magazine subscriptions cost.
You can cut that cost to zero.
Your library card gives you access to apps like PressReader and Flipster to read them for free.
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You get full-color, digital versions of your favorite magazines, right on your tablet or phone.
3. Take Online Courses (Including LinkedIn Learning)
This is one of the most valuable perks, in my opinion.
While there are a ton of free courses online, some of the best ones are not free.
I’ve personally used my library’s free access to LinkedIn Learning to take courses on marketing and SEO.
These are the same classes that experts teach on LinkedIn, which other people have to pay a monthly fee for.
You even get a certificate when you complete a course.
It’s an amazing way to build skills for your career, for free.
4. Listen to Audiobooks and Read eBooks
If you don’t know about Libby and OverDrive you are missing out big time.
Both of these are awesome apps that give you access to thousands of audiobooks and eBooks straight from your library.
But the best part is that it’s not just limited to what your actual local public library has in stock. You can borrow books from any public library in the country.
They have almost every title I’ve ever searched for.
And both sync directly with your Kindle if you prefer to read.
And all you need to access them is your library card.
With these two alone, I think you can cancel your subscription to Audible or any other paid subscription audiobook service.
5. Get Free Passes to Museums and Zoos
This is my favorite hack for a cheap weekend outing.
Your library card can get you a free pass to local museums, zoos, and science centers.
Just check your library’s website for their “Culture Pass” or “Discover & Go” program.
This alone can save you $100 every year, especially if you like visiting zoos and museums a lot.
6. Learn a New Language
Want to learn Spanish? French? Japanese?
You could use those free language learning apps but we both know they are free just for the basics.
If you want to go deeper, you have to upgrade to a paid plan.
Don’t pay for expensive apps like Babbel or Rosetta Stone.
Use your free library card to get free access to Mango Languages.
What is Mango Languages?
It’s basically a high-quality language learning program that costs at a minimum around $12 a month but thanks to your library card, you can use it totally free!
7. Access Academic and Research Databases
Sometimes you need information you can’t find on Google.
Your library card unlocks research databases like JSTOR.
These are powerful search tools for academic papers and credible sources.
My library card lets me bypass the expensive paywalls to get credible, in-depth articles you can’t find with a simple Google search.
8. Get Free Legal and Financial Advice
This one actually surprised me.
I just recently learned that my county library hosts free legal clinics and financial planning workshops.
You’d think as someone who is into personal finance and has been running a site in the space for over a decade, I would know it, lol. But hey, you can’t know everything!
Anyway, I haven’t needed it myself but I think it’s an incredible resource for anyone who needs expert advice but can’t afford high fees.
Some libraries host free clinics with actual lawyers and financial planners.
You can ask questions and get professional advice.
So be sure to check with your local library to see when they host these kinds of events.
9. Use 3D Printers and Maker Spaces
If you don’t own a 3D printer but want to use one to print a one-off thing (or even more than one time), check your local library.
My local library actually has a full maker space where I can use a 3D printer for whatever project I want.
Even if you don’t really have any projects, it’s a great way to try a new hobby without buying all the expensive gear.
10. Get Free Tax Prep Help
Here’s a tip I tell everyone during tax season.
Check your local library.
Most people assume their only and cheapest option is to pay one of those tax prep places that pop up during tax season.
Most public libraries across the country partner with the IRS’s VITA program.
That means you can get your taxes filed by certified volunteers, for free.
11. Use Premium Software for Free
Even if you are not a graphic designer, you have heard of Adobe Photoshop.
And if you are one, you know how damn expensive it is.
Before buying a whole subscription, check your library first.
Mine has computers with Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD loaded on them, which means I get to use them for any project for free!
It’s a huge money-saver, especially if you use it a lot like I do.
And that’s not all!
Your library may also give you free access to other premium software that costs an arm and a leg!
12. Get Help with Your Job Search
This is a seriously underrated perk.
A lot of people don’t know this but you can get free resume reviews and even a mock interview with a career coach at your local library.
That can really be helpful in landing the perfect job.
I hope you have a great job but if you ever need to find a new one, make sure to check with your library first. They may even have other resources available to help find and land that dream job.
13. Borrow a Wi-Fi Hotspot
I think most people may know this, but just in case you don’t, your public library may let you check out a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
It’s perfect for when your internet goes down or if you need reliable Wi-Fi while traveling.
14. Attend Community Events and Workshops
I’ve attended a few free workshops at my library, from a talk on local history to a basic coding class for adults. They’re a great way to learn something new and connect with people in your community.
Most public libraries hold community events and workshops (for all kinds of stuff) from time to time.
All you need to take advantage of these events is your library card.
It’s a great way to learn something new or just meet like minded people without spending a dime.
15. Get Help with Homework
This is a lifesaver for parents and students.
If you have kids who are struggling with homework, you know how damn expensive private tutoring can be.
But if you have a library card, you may be able to get free online tutoring and homework help through services like Tutor.com.
This is really cool because you (or your kids) get one-on-one help from actual teachers.
Visit your library’s website, and search for the Tutor.com link. Most libraries will have this on their homepage, children’s/teens’ pages, or online resources section.
16. Stream and Download Music for Free
I personally don’t have a subscription to any music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.
But I know a lot of people who do and their subscription costs them between $6-$12 a month.
If you are one of those people, check with your local library.
Your library card may be able to save you some cash there as well.
Some libraries have partnerships with Freegal Music which lets you download and keep a certain number of songs every week, completely free and legally.
You can also stream for hours. I was shocked to find how many popular artists were on there.
17. Borrow a Laptop or Tablet
Did you know you can actually check out a laptop or tablet from your public library?
Me neither, lol!
But it’s legit!
Now how long you can keep it for depends on your local branch and how many they have in stock.
18. Check Your Family Tree
Checking your family tree and finding out about your family has become very popular lately, thanks to genealogy sites like Ancestry.com.
But their services are a bit pricy.
Well, here’s a hack…
Your library card can give you free access to the full versions of Ancestry.com and other genealogy databases.
These are the premium “library editions” that would otherwise cost you a hefty subscription fee.
19. Get Free High-Speed Internet Access
This one seems obvious, but people often forget about it.
Beyond just checking out a Wi-Fi hotspot, your library itself is a great quiet place to access high-speed internet for free.
If your home internet is slow or unreliable for a big download or video call, the library is the perfect backup.
20. Get Free Seeds from a Seed Library
This is probably the most surprising perk I’ve ever found.
I am big into plants and gardening (and like most people, I have killed more indoor plants than I care to admit, lol!)
One day, while researching for ways to get seeds, I found out that my local library actually gives members packets of seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers, for free.
The idea is that you grow the plants and then bring back some seeds from your harvest for the next person.
I love this so much. I checked with my librarian to see if this was an exclusive program just from them. She told me that most libraries across the country have similar programs where they give away free seeds.
So if you are into plants and gardening, ask your library.
21. Get Free Test Prep for the SAT, GRE, and More
Think about how much private tutors and test prep courses cost for exams like the SAT, GRE, or even a professional certification.
I talked about free tutoring earlier. Here’s another related free perk.
Most libraries have free, unlimited access to premium test prep databases like LearningExpress Library or Brainfuse.
You get interactive practice tests, flashcards, and full study guides for dozens of official exams.
It’s a great way to prep for whatever test you have coming up without spending a dime!
How to Start Using These Perks Today
Not sure your local library offers these perks?
No worries!
Here’s what to do to find out:
Go to your library’s website
My first stop is always the ‘Digital Resources’ or ‘Services’ page. They usually list everything there.
If you can’t find it, just give your local library a call.
And if you don’t have a library card or can’t find your local branch’s website, the USAGov Library Finder is your best starting point. As an official government resource, it can help you locate the closest library with its contact info and website address.
Download the apps: I have Kanopy, Libby, and PressReader on my phone right now. Just log in once with your card number.
Do a quick search: I’ve had success Googling things like “[my city] library museum pass” to find exactly what I’m looking for.
Don’t Miss Out!
Your library card is one of the most valuable things you can own, and I mean that.
If you’re not using it, you’re just leaving money and free opportunities on the table.
What’s your favorite library card perk I missed? Let me know in the comments!
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