Gone are the days of staid book-filled libraries.
Sure, the book thing is still a theme, but public libraries are so much more thanjust books.
Libraries aim to improve access to information and provide education for everyone in their community.
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Book learnin on how to become a carpenter or play the guitar can only take you so far.
To truly master these crafts, you need hands-on experience with tools and instruments.
With a library card, you’re able to check out these useful items for free.
Library budgets vary widely, and branches tend to cater to the needs of their community.
So, your local branch might not have each of the items on this list.
Call ahead or check the branch catalog to see what they offer.
Entertainment
The price of keeping yourself and the family entertained can add up quickly.
Look to your local branch for free things to do.
Many public libraries circulate free passes to local museums, zoos, state parks and other activities.
It might be tough to snag one, especially during school vacations and over the summer.
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Watch out Netflix and Amazon Prime there are a few new streaming services in town.
And theyre both free, thanks to your public library.
Kanopy and Hoopla are two streaming services available at many libraries.
Simply sign up for a library card.
Cant wait to try that popular new board game but dont want to pay $15 or more?
Check it out from your local library.
Also, you get to try out new games without a commitment.
If a new game doesnt turn into a fan favorite, you havent lost any money.
Or fine tune your skills with classic games like Scrabble and Monopoly.
Switch out your weekly trip to GameStop for your local library and save some money on your favorites.
Most libraries offer games for different systems like PlayStation 5, Xbox and Switch.
Some even have gaming discs for VR systems.
Your ongoing puzzle dilemma is solved.
The act of piecing them together is so soothing, it can be downright therapeutic.
But once youve finally completed it, you have this puzzle that will probably gather dust on a shelf.
And you will have spent between $11 and $20.
So check out a puzzle from the library instead and hold onto your hard earned cash.
Toys
Toys for kids are expensive.
Especially those that are highly sought after or brand name.
The library can help you there.
Cant fathom spending more than $100 on a doll?
See if you’ve got the option to borrow one from your public library.
Some even include a journal, so you’re free to see where else the doll has been.
The Arlington Public Library in Virginia has anAmerican Girl Lending Program.
you could also borrow a doll from theFountaindale Public Libraryin Illinois.
What makes Legos great?
The act of building them enhances all sorts of cognitive function.
What makes them not so great?
Provide your kids all the benefits of assembling these pricey, fun-packed toys without the cost.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
Robot toys can come with a hefty price tag.
Luckily, robots are typical items on a library of things list.
Not everybody can afford a pH meter.
Libraries lend all sorts of instruments to patrons, from banjos to guitars to electric keyboards and more.
Some libraries, like theSeattle Public Library, have music practice rooms you’re able to reserve.
Make all the noise you want as you learn to play!
Many libraries have a few basic tools on hand.
Tool lending libraries also extend beyond public libraries.
A lot of libraries have extensive cake pan collections.
This one is more common than youd think!
Yep, thats right.
Possibly the most unusual item on the list, but some libraries offer air fryers on loan.
See if you and your family will actually use the appliance before sinking those dollars.
Just be sure to return it clean.
Your friendly librarian will thank you.
How often do you need jumper cables?
Of course, youll need to get to the library first.
With over 6,000disc golf coursesin the U.S., playing this sport is an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon.
But to play, you need a set of accessories.
Your local library has you covered.
Bike locks are relatively inexpensive and easily purchased in stores like Walmart or Lowes.
And with bike theft an ever present concern, your library is looking out for your two wheeler.
See if your library is one of them.
They magically disappear when the rental period ends.
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Why pay around $50 for something you only use part of the year?
Cutting out internet can help you save significantly on monthly expenses.
But if you work from home or are on the job hunt, its not easy to go without.
While most libraries have public computers, youre limited to using them during the hours the librarys open.
Thats why some libraries have come up with a way to lend internet access to patrons.
The New York Public Library allows patrons without home internet to check out Wi-Fi hotspots for six months.
Other libraries including those in Chicago and Seattle lend Wi-Fi hotspots for three-week periods.
you could save a substantial amount of money by checking out a tablet at your local library.
Arts and Crafts
We know how tempting the craft store can be.
Be tempted at the library instead, and skip the financial consequence.
Sewing patterns for clothes or soft toys can run anywhere from $16 to $30 each.
That might not be a smart investment, especially if you only use the pattern once.
Making art is often an expensive hobby.
Check your local branchs collection for items like paintbrushes, easels, pottery wheels and sewing machines.
Libraries likeNashville Public Libraryin Tennessee andBexley Public Libraryin Ohio offer circulating collections of fine art.
She covers lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder.
Reporting from Betsy Mikel is included in this report.
