The public library graduated from being simply a repository of books decades ago.
Today,the public libraryis plugged into the virtual world in many ways, including free library apps.
Do you want to stream music, movies and audiobooks?
Many public libraries have partnered with mobile apps like Hoopla (pictured) to offer free streaming music, movies, audiobooks and e-books. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder
Check out a hundred magazines?
Learn a new skill?
FYI, some of the content like particular movies or magazines may vary from library to library.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
Hoopla has tons of new releases, such as The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore.
It also has classics you may want to re-read, like the Harry Potter series.
Plus, the site is beautifully designed, both as a desktop web app and app.
(Check out the app viaApple,GoogleandAmazon.)
The kids will think youre the best when you blast the Encanto soundtrack.
And, another bonus: Its ad-free entertainment.
Hoopla shines in this genre.
Love to get lost in a great historical fiction read?
Its time to listen to The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner.
Looking for a new favorite movie?
If they have the title you want, it’s possible for you to read it immediately.
Youll be impressed by Hooplas variety.
Kanopy is accessed through your public or university library.
All you need is a library card.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If you better wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
Libby
Libbyis best known for its selection of e-books, audiobooks and magazines.
you’ve got the option to use the desktop web app or the mobile app.
Remember when I said you could check out only a certain number of titles a month through Hoopla?
Libby will tell you exactly how long youll have to wait before a title becomes available.
Libby has a wide collection of popular titles.
E-books are incredibly popular via Libby.
Popular genres are childrens books, young adult fiction and nonfiction, comics and graphic novels.
Check out The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.
Its a thriller about what happens when you exchange your soul to get to live forever.
As of July 2024, LinkedIn Learningcosts $34.99 per monthfor a basic subscription.
You also get a free month when you sign up.
So, if youuse your library accountto access its services, youre saving nearly $40 a month.
BookBoon
Specializing in e-textbooks,BookBoonwill let you skip the college bookstore tab.
BookBoon has over 1,500 free e-textbooks on everything from engineering to academic writing.
But thats not including the cost of purchased e-books or rentals.
With that in mind, using BookBoon may cut down on college bills significantly.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
How Much Can You Save Using Free Library Apps?
Learning through LinkedIn Learning could save you nearly $40.
Thats a good chunk of change that can go toward those costly course credits.
Do you still feel unsure about using these resources?
Are you wondering whether your particular library offers them all?
Visit your local librarian or chat with one online.
(Some states, like Florida, offervirtual librarians.)
Theyll be thrilled to show you the world of online tools.
