More than just books: Libraries offer many resources for free

Ever since I was a kid, one of my favorite places to go is the library. I’ve always loved reading. Growing up in a small rural area, the local public library was my source for inspiration, entertainment and knowledge. 

There are approximately 17,000 public libraries in the United States today, that’s more than the number of McDonald’s (approximately 14,000) or Starbucks (approximately 11,000) in America. Public Libraries in the United States have an estimated 4 million visits per day. With a population of approximately 333.3 million people, that could mean approximately 2% of Americans are visiting a library on any given day. And why not? 

Apps, movies, technology and more

Libraries provide access to books and so much more. With many libraries offering ebooks you can download to a device (for example, Kindle, Fire, iPad or other), you don’t even have to visit your local library to get a good book to read. Thanks to digital services like OverDrive (which offers the Libby and Kanopy platforms) and Hoopla, you can access ebooks, audiobooks and movies from libraries around the country via electronic library cards.

Many public libraries are staffed with helpful librarians. Libraries offer resources and training beyond what I could have imagined as a child:

• Want to learn a foreign language? Many offer access to language learning platforms such as Rosetta Stone and Mango as well as having collections of books, magazines and movies available in foreign languages. Also, some libraries offer passport services. 
• Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular with access to a variety of tools such as 3-D printers, sewing machines, long-arm machines for quilting and precision cutting machines such as Cricut that are popular with many crafters. 
• Technology labs may offer classes and other features such as virtual reality platforms, recording studios you can use to produce videos and/or podcasts, and memory labs for digitizing photos, albums, cassettes and films.  
• Need to research a topic or want to delve into genealogy? Your local library likely offers access to a wide variety of research databases.
• Want to learn a new skill or a trade? You may be able to access virtual learning platforms or other online learning resources. 
• Need test prep or homework assistance, check out what services your local library has to offer.
• Also, many have quiet study spaces and private meeting rooms that patrons may reserve for blocks of time.

Finding a public library near you

If you haven’t been to a public library recently, visit your local library’s web site to see all of the resources you could be accessing. Need to find a public library? Here’s a database you can search.

Engage with us! In the comments, tell us about some useful and amazing services your local library provides.