18 Library Freebies That Don’t Include Printed Books
Posted: September 22nd, 2010 | Add a Comment
Weekly visits to the public library were a big event when I was a kid.
The ancient Carnegie Public Library was my favorite, with the lemon scent of its ancient wood floors and the regal stone lions surmounting the entrance.
Some friends laugh at me today, but I constantly preach about the wealth of free entertainment, education and useful information available at public libraries for those willing to simply walk through the doors.
Heck, you don’t even have to go to a library building anymore to reap the benefits.
Free online library services have become commonplace in both urban and rural regions.
Take a look at the following list and see how you can start making the most of all the free services offered by public libraries.
- Ebook Downloads
For those who don’t have the patience or time to read a paper book, ebooks are a godsend. Plus, you don’t have to wait in line for a print copy to become available. Download a classic or the latest bestseller and “read” away while you work, work out or clean house. Ebooks keep you entertained while performing mindless duties, making the time pass more quickly and providing you with a sense of doubled accomplishment. - Audio Books
The evening I found myself yelling back at the radio was the night I vowed to give up drive-time news, talk radio and jabbering DJs. Now, when faced with a drive of more than five minutes, I pop in a library audio book and the commute passes much more quickly. As a secondary benefit, crappy drivers and traffic jams no longer bother me.Your library’s audio book collection likely includes much more than “books,” however. You can frequently find old radio programs, foreign language lessons, instructional and motivational CDs or tapes and much more. It’s a great way to preview the work and decide if you want to buy the product, particularly in the case of an expensive language series.
CDs may have declined in popularity in the age of digital music downloads, but freebie rentals allow you to preview a band’s tunes before making a commitment. Then you can download just the songs you want to your iPod or MP3 player at no cost — which is far superior to paying $1.29 per song.- DVDs
Libraries carry a wide selection of both recent and classic movie releases, including instructional and documentary DVDs. You can often find entire seasons of your favorite television show, including pay-channel series, so you can watch it all in one gulp instead of waiting for Netflix to send you one disc at a time. It’s also a great way to eliminate those premium channels from your cable bill. - Video Games
More libraries are beginning to loan video games as a means of attracting a younger audience. Our public library even has an on-site room where kids can play games together, establishing new friendships while playing non-violent games. - Free Internet
Ever been stuck without Internet service? The library is heaven sent for those who must do without, whether for financial reasons or simply because their ISP has messed up — again! Our library has rows and rows of desk tops that offer one-hour access plus the full panoply of Windows software. Several 20-minute stations are available for those who just want to check their email, Facebook, Twitter or run down an author’s bibliography. Some libraries also offer free wi-fi service for laptop fans. - Computer Labs and Classes (for all user levels)
What good is having computer access if you don’t know how to use the software? Hands-on classes allow you to learn the basics or catch up on changes in the latest Photoshop release. With unemployment skyrocketing, computer labs also have become business centers, helping people craft appealing resumes, small-business brochures, business cards, etc. - Hobby Classes
Many libraries are branching out from computer tutorials to include classes focusing on a variety of hobbies, including scrapbooking, cooking, digital photography and much more. These trainings also serve as opportunities to make friends with those who share your interests. If your hobby has grown into an obsession, consider offering your services as a class instructor. - Children’s Events
Visit your library before nap time (usually 2 p.m.-ish) and you’ll understand why kids usually have their own dedicated floor. Children’s sections are typically full of non-hush-hush events, like the ever-popular storytime, live performances, art and crafts classes, board-game sessions and historical book re-enactments. - Teen Events
More and more, tweens and teens are becoming frequent visitors to these hallowed halls. Libraries attract more literary-minded kids with writing programs; gamesters with the aforementioned video-game rooms; geeks with fancy software; artists with Manga drawing classes; and anything else programmers can come up with to draw youngsters into the building. - Homework Assistance
Whether in person, by phone or via Internet links, homework assistance is usually coordinated through the local school district and provided by a combination of library staff, volunteers and retired teachers. For math or science-impaired parents, it’s a godsend. - Author Series
Temple Grandin, the autistic animal scientist and subject of the 2010 Emmy Award winning film, drew such a large audience our library had to move her discussion to a public auditorium. Author Lauren Myracle, famous for her teen books “ttyl” and “g8r,” talked to a large teen audience about having her books challenged as part of Banned Books Week. And each year the city selects a Community Read book, culminating in a visit by the author. (This year’s selection is Garth Stein’s “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” which I highly recommend.) - Travel Series
One of the longest-running and most-popular series for most libraries, travel series tend to attract older audiences although they’re truly fun for all ages. Most include films, featured speakers and details about travel to selected locations. - Genealogy and Local History Centers
Genealogical assistance often varies from regional-only material to classes on researching your family history through the Internet. Libraries often become the repositories for historical documents, including directories, photographs, maps, obituary files, yearbooks, tax records, newspapers, cemetery records, and, naturally, local history books. - Magazines
While you may not be able to check out the most recent edition of your favorite magazine, many libraries now allow patrons to remove previous months for home perusal. Save yourself the cost of a subscription or simply decide whether you want to invest in a particular magazine (like the September Vogue issue). Small-business owners and investors can save themselves one expense by reading Barron’s, Investor’s Business Daily, the Wall Street Journal and other pricey items either online or in their print versions. - Free Access to Online Databases
Check the websites for the public libraries in your region. Many provide free access to databases for a wide variety of uses, such as auto diagnostics and repairs; biological sciences; and applied and general science journals. - Speed Dating Nights
Our library actually holds speed-dating nights for two different age groups. It’s a great way to meet people who share your cultural interests without sifting through drunks at a bar or taking a chance on a fake Match.com profile. And they’re free! - Spanish-Language Assistance
The growing Hispanic population in America has led many libraries to provide Spanish-speaking staff assistance and include Spanish-language versions of their websites.
