5 Resources You Can Use With Your Library Card

Many people still only view library cards as a way to borrow physical books from your local library, but that isn’t the case. Your library card can do so much more. With a large number of online resources, you can get access to digital content for free. Your library may also have partnerships with other local organizations to provide you with additional perks within your community.

We’ve created a list of resources you can access to ensure you are getting the most out of your library card.

Renting or Streaming Movies

With the endless streaming services today, you may not think about using your library card to watch movies. Why pay all of those monthly streaming fees when you can watch a large selection of movies and shows with your library card? Most libraries have a vast collection of DVDs that you can browse and borrow for all ages.

If you already ditched your DVD player, you can stream movies using your library card through platforms like Hoopla. You can check your library’s website to find out what platform they use or visit the library for help with borrowing digital videos and using the app.

Downloading eBooks

If you love to read while traveling or commuting to work and don’t want to carry physical books around with you, eBooks are great alternatives. With your library card, you have access to a vast collection of free digital books to borrow—including eBooks and audiobooks.

A common program for eBook lending is Overdrive, but you can check with your library to find out what they use. With Overdrive, you can borrow eBooks to read on your computer and eBook reader, or download the Libby app on your phone and access your book through your phone at any time.

Museum Passes

Access to museums and other cultural organizations can be expensive, especially if you have multiple children. Check with your library to see if they offer any discounted or free passes through partnerships with these organizations. Some of these programs may require you to reserve a pass ahead of time through the library, so you should always check before going.

This is common for larger city libraries to offer and can be a great benefit to take advantage of that will save you money. Some larger cities with museum pass programs include NYC, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, Miami, and Denver. Most libraries have this benefit clearly listed on their services or programs page, but you can always check with a librarian if you don’t see anything online.

Learn a Language

Many online language learning software tools can be pricey. Your library card may give you access to a language program where you can learn multiple languages for free. A commonly used program among libraries is Mango Languages. They have apps available for download through the Apple Store and Google Play, so you can access the programs on your phone or tablet.

Check with a librarian or on your library’s website to find out if they offer membership to a language learning program with your library card. You will usually need to use a link affiliated with your library to sign up.

Access Makerspace Resources

A makerspace is a place for community members to gather and learn in a hands-on and collaborative way. As makerspaces become more popular, libraries are expanding the resources they offer to library patrons. With your library card, you can access your library’s Makerspace to get creative.

Libraries may offer many different resources in their makerspace including 3D printers, sewing, and embroidery machines, digital editing programs, music stations, video recording equipment, and other crafting supplies/machines—all of which are free to use. You can also speak with a librarian if there is something you would like to recommend they add to the space in the future.