When some people think of libraries, they may instantly think quiet and boring. In reality, libraries should be seen as free entertainment. Libraries open up a whole world of possibilities beyond the books.
Where my obsession with libraries began
From a young age, I was always drawn to the library. The library was an escape for me. From the sounds of whispering voices and books being carefully and accurately reshelved to that library smell, it was all therapy to my soul. I spent hours at my local library, combing through books, doing homework and joking with friends. Sometimes, I just enjoyed the quiet by myself. I am secretly an introvert who pretends to be an extrovert.
I spent my teen years living in a small town in northern Michigan. My library was very small. I lived right downtown within walking distance. Living in this small town, the library was my portal to the rest of the world. It helped me understand that there was life beyond this small town. This was the late 1980’s and early 90’s, before the Internet had made its way there. My library still had card catalogs back in those days. I would use the library to read about various occupations to determine “what I wanted to be when I grew up.” I would use the library to learn about DIY and building things. I would also use the library to learn about sex.
My obsession with libraries continues
To this day, I am many miles away from that hometown library I grew up knowing. But now, I live one block away from the library in my community. Coincidence? I think not.
I am guilty of walking to the library on the weekend, dressed in pajama pants with coffee in hand, just to chill in the magazine section…binging on Kiplinger, Money, The Economist and others…finding out what mainstream is saying about current events on money, wealth and investing. I also occasionally binge on People, Handyman and GQ. All for free.
If you have not had the love affair that I have had with your local library, my goal is to get you to at least check some things out.
10 ways to get free entertainment out of your library
- Download the Hoopla app to stream audiobooks and more. Many libraries across the country are part of Hoopla’s network. Hoopla Digital is a digital streaming service for library users to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows. Before you jump to paid services like Audible, check this out. Audible is at minimum $7.95/month for the Plus membership and $14.95/month for the Premium Plus membership. Hoopla does not have every title under the sun, but there are over 850,000 titles instantly available, with 10,000 new titles added each month.
- Learn a new language. Many libraries offer special access to online language services. My library, for instance, offers access to Mango Languages (competitor to Rosetta Stone). These services can often be accessed virtually from the comfort of your home or wherever you are. A few years ago, my family traveled to Italy, France and Spain for an ‘epic’ vacation. I wish I had known about this service through the library before our travel so that I could have learned some basic language skills. In our retirement, however, we plan to travel extensively throughout the U.S. and other countries. We will definitely take advantage of this to learn new languages prior to our travel. These services can cost you at minimum nearly $20/month, but with your library card, potentially free.
- Dig into your ancestry. Did you know that Ancestry.com is available for free through thousands of libraries across the country? You can check out things like census records, vital records, immigration records, court and legal documents, photos, family histories and much more with the library version of this service. When my 90-something year old grandmother was nearing the end of her life, I was in a race to capture her story for my children and other descendants. I didn’t know about the free library version, but ended up securing a trial version of Ancestry.com and went deep quickly. I learned tons about my lineage, and I used this to record a video interview with my grandmother, asking her questions about our history. I was absolutely drawn in by some of the information she shared with the ‘prompts’ that I had from Ancestry.com. Typically, Ancestry.com would run you $25 per month, but if your library offers it, this could save you at least $300/year.
- Check out movies on Kanopy…or by checking out physical DVDs and Bluerays. Watch out Netflix! Many libraries across the country provide access to Kanopy. Kanopy is a streaming service that can be accessed via Roku and other services that access streaming. Kanopy offers over 30,000 documentaries, classic and indie films and other media conveniently streamed from your home. Another option is to check out your library’s sizable DVD section. It is reminiscent of that Friday stroll through Blockbuster video. Instead of streaming that $5 movie every week, make some popcorn and have a date night or family night this weekend, courtesy of your library. It could save you $260/year.
- Learn a new skill with LinkedIn Learning. This service provides how-to and educational videos from various professionals on any topic you can imagine. Pricing typically starts at $19.99/month, but if your library is a member, it is free! Whether you’re exploring the idea of becoming a programmer or software engineer, or you aspire to be the next top chef, LinkedIn Learning has content to help. Savings = $240/year.
- Before you purchase a book, trial run it at the library. How many times have you purchased a book, started reading it, then dropped it a couple chapters in? I have several books I purchased in the past, sitting on my shelves that fit that description. Why not check it out at the library first, determine if you like it, then purchase to keep it later? Just think about how many titles you can read by tapping into the library vs. tapping into your wallet. Also, just because your local library doesn’t have the title doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Libraries have lending programs where other local libraries share their collection with your library. I have literally heard about a book on a podcast on my way to work, then ordered and received it at my library a few days later from a partnered library somewhere else in my county. Try it before you buy it! If you purchase a couple of books a year, this could save you $30.
- Explore local museums. Date night anyone? Many library locations offer explorer programs to try out local museums, parks and other attractions. My family and I have taken advantage of this program several times whether planned or out of sheer boredom. We simply ordered and printed passes from the library’s website. If your library offers these ‘passport’ programs, they could save you $100 or more per year.
- Vet your shopping list with Consumer Reports. If you are hunting for a new/used car or are in the market for a washer and dryer, check out your local library first. Consumer Reports is $39/year typically, but by exploring your library’s subscription, you can get what you need at no cost, saving you that money. My library provides online access to their subscription. I used it to purchase our last used car. It helped me understand the quality reporting of used cars before I bought.
- Check out some new music using Freegal Music. You can stream with Pandora for free with ads, or you could check out FreeGal. This service, available through many local libraries, offers ad-free listening to your favorite genres of music. Savings of $4.99/mo vs. Pandora Plus.
- Enjoy organized library events. Whether you want to interact with others as part of a book club, or if you have kids and are looking for activities to do with them, the library can provide it all. When my kids were younger, my local library had the BEST children’s librarian. She organized several activities for kids in the community, including music and art events as well as story time. Around the holidays, there were also fun holiday events. Priceless!
Check out your local library – your next steps to free entertainment
As you can see, your local library can provide access to a number of entertainment options. Your library has the potential to save you nearly $1,500 per year or more as outlined above. The first thing to do is go to your library’s website or talk to your local librarian in person. If you do not have a library card, take time to get one. It is at no cost. That library card instantly becomes your passport to many opportunities.
By starting with your library first, chances are you’ll save money which is Good for Your Wealth.
Catch you next time.