Everything Your Library Card Gets You for Free

A library card is the most underused free resource in America. Beyond borrowing books, it gives you access to thousands of dollars worth of digital services, classes, and tools. Most libraries issue cards for free to local residents. Many now offer digital-only cards you can get without visiting in person.

Free Ebooks and Audiobooks (Libby/OverDrive)

Download the Libby app (free, by OverDrive). Sign in with your library card. Browse and borrow ebooks and audiobooks that deliver directly to your phone, tablet, or Kindle. The selection includes bestsellers, new releases, and backlist titles. Books return automatically after the loan period (usually 14-21 days). No late fees.

If your library’s copy is checked out, place a hold and get notified when it is available. Some libraries let you hold cards from multiple library systems, expanding your selection.

Free Movie and TV Streaming (Kanopy and Hoopla)

Kanopy: Free streaming of indie films, documentaries, Great Courses lectures, and Criterion Collection movies. Most libraries give you 5-10 borrows per month.

Hoopla: Free streaming of movies, TV shows, music, comics, and audiobooks. Typically 10 borrows per month. Content available instantly, no wait lists.

Both are available as apps on your phone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV.

Free Digital Magazines and Newspapers

Libby Magazines: Thousands of digital magazines including People, National Geographic, The Economist, Wired, and Consumer Reports. Borrow and keep on your device.

PressReader: Many libraries offer PressReader access, which gives you full digital editions of 7,000+ newspapers and magazines from around the world.

New York Times and Wall Street Journal: Some library systems provide free digital access to premium newspapers. Check your library’s website for “Digital Resources” or “Databases.”

Free Learning and Courses

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Many libraries offer free access to LinkedIn Learning’s 16,000+ video courses on business, tech, and creative skills. Worth $30/month if you paid for it.

Coursera for Campus: Some libraries partner with Coursera to offer free access to university courses.

Mango Languages: Free language learning app through many libraries, covering 70+ languages.

Free Museum and Park Passes

Many libraries lend museum passes that give free or discounted admission for your entire family. Check your library’s “Museum Pass” or “Culture Pass” program. Common participating museums include science centers, children’s museums, zoos, and botanical gardens. Some libraries also lend state and national park passes.

Free Tech and Tools to Borrow

Modern libraries lend far more than books: Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, tablets, e-readers, board games, video games, power tools, sewing machines, and even musical instruments. Check your library’s “Library of Things” catalog.

Free Printing, Scanning, and Meeting Rooms

Most libraries offer free or very cheap printing (typically $0.10-$0.15/page). Scanning is usually free. Meeting rooms can be reserved for free for book clubs, study groups, or small gatherings.

How to Get a Library Card

Visit your local library with a photo ID and proof of address (utility bill or lease). Many libraries also offer digital-only cards through their website. Some libraries (like the Brooklyn Public Library) offer non-resident cards for a small annual fee, giving you access to their digital resources from anywhere in the country.

Hidden Library Perks

Beyond books, many libraries offer free access to LinkedIn Learning, Kanopy for streaming movies, PressReader for newspaper archives, 3D printing services, recording studios, seed libraries for gardeners, and museum passes. Some lend tools, kitchen equipment, and instruments. Check your library website for the full resource list.

Bottom Line

A free library card gets you ebooks and audiobooks (Libby), streaming movies (Kanopy, Hoopla), digital magazines, LinkedIn Learning courses, museum passes, and borrowable tech. Combined value: easily $500+/year for zero cost.