A few things I want to add onto this:
Libby is free and wonderful. Most libraries use this app for their digital collections (both audiobooks and ebooks!)
Libraries are more inclined to give you a library card than you might think. Even if you’re not technically a resident of a place, even if you don’t pay the taxes that support the library, it’s more likely than not that you can get a card. And if you can’t get the residents card, most libraries have an option to pay a small fee to have the card. (But they’ll most likely give it to you for free. They want you to use the library!)
Some libraries go WAY beyond books. Mine has a streaming service and a “library of things” where you can check out all kinds of stuff. I’m talking musical instruments, stand mixers, camping equipment, canning equipment, green screens, power tools, sewing machines, DVD players, metal detectors, microscopes, literally anything you can think of. They even have a light therapy lamp. They think of EVERYTHING.
Library events are awesome and either free or low cost. Mine has cooking classes, craft workshops, and they even threw a little comic con once. They’re a super good way to learn new skills and meet new people.
Lots of libraries are good for anyone in a bind (ESPECIALLY if you find yourself homeless). I can’t promise that every library is like this, but every one that I’ve been to has had stuff like free menstrual products, places to shower, free Covid tests, etc.
And finally, the funding that libraries get depends on the amount of interaction they get. Get a library card and use it, even if you don’t love reading. Check out movies, see what other things you can check out from your library, and try to interact as much as possible (even virtually!). Libraries get better when they’re used more!
tl;dr get a library card even if you don’t like reading. Libraries are awesome.
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