Going off topic for this one. When I’m not talking about combat sports, I’m a librarian. And it is frustrating that people don’t understand all the things that library card gets you access to. So I’m going to show you some stuff that’s accessible for FREE from your local library using my own local library system, the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS).
Books and Films (but also eBooks and digital streaming)
I think the vast majority of people understand that you can rent books and films (DVD & BluRay) from your local library. But a lot of people don’t know is that most libraries are part of wider cooperative library systems, meaning their library cards are good at any library that is part of the consortium. A membership to a BCCLS library here gets you access to 77 libraries across like 4 separate counties. And if you can’t afford the time to drive to a separate library to pick up a copy of Partly Cloudy by Tanita Davis, you can have it sent to your library for easy pick up!
I think even fewer people realize that a lot of libraries have ebooks and access to streaming. On the eBooks front some libraries use apps/websites such as Hoopla or Libby, which both offer tens of thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, comics, music, movies, and TV shows. Many libraries also have deals with Kanopy, a streaming service that has a collection of classic, foreign and independent films. Straight from your phone or computer. I know the New York Public Library has their own e-reader app called SimplyE, which has titles in multiple languages.
Want to learn a skill? Meet new people? Learn about assistance programs in your area? Learn English as a second language? Help studying for a citizenship test?
Well libraries are perfect for that! Many offer weekly/biweekly/monthly programs for people of all ages. At my library we have like 6-9 programs a week, just for kids. These range anywhere from baby lap time for kids as young as 5 months old to guitar classes for middle schoolers. For adults we offer citizenship classes, technology classes (to learn the basics of how to work something like an iPhone or android), ESL classes, book clubs, craft programs, open mic nights, and the like. We’ve actually have also had acting classes for people who wanted to get into Community Theater taught by professional actors. And this is all just one library. I know a library nearby that teaches Korean, at multiple skill levels.
Language Learning Software
Speaking of learning languages, many library systems have language learning software. Ever wanted to learn German? Well there’s probably a complete set of CDs and workbooks sitting on a shelf in your library that can help you out. But if that isn’t enough, some libraries offer free access to Rosetta Stone. If you’re a BCCLS member here, you get access to the entire Rosetta Stone lesson plan with your card.
Video Games, Hotspots, Kindles, and Museum Passes
Outside of books and film, libraries also offer other cool stuff. Many offer video games. So if I don’t want to spend $60-70 on Halo Infinite to try it out, I could just order a copy to my library. Don’t have internet access at home? Many libraries have hotspots that they loan out. Same with kindles.
Don’t want to spend $25 a person to get into the MOMA? Well, many libraries offer museum passes. (These may require a deposit to pick, but you get it back when you return the pass).
Here’s the fun stuff. Certain libraries just have weird, unexpected stuff that you can just borrow! And it’s amazing. Here’s a list of cool random things you might be able to get from the library.
The Oakland Library in California allows you to check out power tools.
The Athens County Library System in Ohio allows you to borrow bicycles!
The Glen Rock Library in NJ allows you to check out cake pans.
Many libraries, mine included, collect Prom Dresses for those that can’t/don’t want to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The Arlington, Virginia library loans out American Girl Dolls.
The Ann Arbor Library system up in Michigan rents out instruments.
The Chicago Public Library loans out fishing poles.
Many libraries have seed libraries, gardening tools, and even gardening plots you can check out, like the Pima County Library in Arizona.
The Fontana Regional Library in NC loans out hiking gear!
So this is me telling you to go check out your local library and see what they have to offer. Or if you already frequent your local library, consider starting/becoming a Friend of the Library.
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