Your library card is a money-saver hiding in plain sight. Beyond books, many U.S. libraries now offer premium streaming, software, classes, and even devices—free with your card. Some perks work at home; others are in-branch or by reservation. Offers vary by system, but the examples below show what’s widely available and where to look. Check your local library’s website, then enjoy the freebies you’ve been missing.
1. E-books and audiobooks with Libby
Skip subscription fees and borrow popular e-books, audiobooks, and magazines in the Libby app (by OverDrive). Thousands of U.S. libraries participate, and you can read on your phone, tablet, or Kindle (where supported). Libby also supports holds, wish lists, and offline reading, and many systems add extras like comics and magazines. If you’re new, the app walks you through finding your library and signing in with your card number and PIN. Once you add multiple libraries (if you’re eligible), Libby will search all of them at once for faster borrowing. It’s free, legal, and incredibly convenient for commuters and road-trippers alike.
2. Ad-free films through Kanopy
Many public libraries include Kanopy, a streaming service for classic films, acclaimed indies, docs, and world cinema. Sign up with your library card, then watch on your phone, browser, or TV apps. You’ll get a monthly play-credit allotment (varies by library) and curated collections like film-club picks. Kanopy is different from paid movie platforms because libraries foot the bill per view, so titles are ad-free and often hard to find elsewhere. If your library participates, you can also see “Big Movie Watch” selections and educational videos.
3. All-in-one streaming via Hoopla
Hoopla partners with public libraries to deliver instant-borrow movies, TV, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and more—no waits on most items. Borrow limits reset monthly and vary by library, but everything is included with your card. The app supports offline downloads and works across devices and car systems for listening on the go. If your library offers Hoopla, it’s a great one-stop shop for family entertainment nights without adding another monthly bill.
4. Language learning with Mango
Want to learn Spanish, Japanese, or 70+ other languages? Mango Languages is free through many library systems and includes guided lessons, pronunciation practice, and cultural notes. You can use it in-app or via web with your library card credentials, building daily streaks like a paid app—minus the paywall. It’s also popular for English learners with dedicated ESL tracks. Check your library’s digital resources page for a Mango link or search the service’s library finder.
5. LinkedIn Learning courses for free
Libraries across the U.S. provide no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), letting you complete expert-taught video courses in software, business, creative tools, and more. You sign in through your library’s special portal with your card, then take courses at your own pace and earn completion certificates that can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile. It’s a solid way to upskill without paying a subscription.
6. Udemy via Gale Presents
Many libraries subscribe to Gale Presents: Udemy, unlocking thousands of Udemy courses across tech, data, project management, design, and more at no cost to cardholders. Access typically runs through your library’s database page; once you authenticate with your card, you create a free Udemy account tied to the library’s subscription. The catalog updates frequently, providing an ever-changing slate of professional classes and certifications prep.
7. Craft classes with Creativebug
If your library partners with Creativebug, you can watch high-quality, step-by-step classes for sewing, drawing, knitting, baking, jewelry, and more—taught by working artists and makers. Projects include downloadable patterns and templates, and new classes are added regularly. It’s a gentle on-ramp to new hobbies without paying for workshops or kits you might not use again.
8. Genealogy research with Ancestry Library Edition
Tracing your family tree? Ancestry Library Edition—available at many libraries—lets you search billions of census, immigration, military, and vital records. It’s distributed to libraries by ProQuest and is a go-to starting point for genealogy, often used alongside historical newspapers. Availability can be in-library only (check your system’s rules).
9. Consumer Reports online access
Skip the paywall: many libraries give cardholders full ConsumerReports.org access for unbiased ratings and buying guides on appliances, electronics, cars, and more. Some systems provide direct site access; others offer the magazine via EBSCO databases. Either way, it’s an easy way to check reliability scores before you buy.
10. Morningstar investment research
Investors can tap Morningstar Investment Research Center through many public libraries for analyst reports, screeners, portfolio tools, and independent ratings on stocks and funds. Access is typically remote with your card or on library computers. It’s a premium database that can replace a paid subscription for most casual investors.
11. Free museum tickets through Culture Pass and similar programs
Library cards often unlock free or discounted admission to museums, gardens, zoos, and theaters via programs like NYC’s Culture Pass or Chicago Public Library’s Digital Museum Passes. You reserve a dated pass online, then show your confirmation at the venue. These programs can save families a bundle and encourage exploring local culture.
12. State park day-use passes
Several states partner with libraries to lend free park passes. In California, the State Library Parks Pass lets cardholders check out a vehicle day-use pass for entry to hundreds of state parks—perfect for weekend hikes without fees. Supplies are limited, and rules vary, so check your system’s page for availability and how long you can borrow.
13. Laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot lending
To bridge the digital divide, many systems loan out laptops and mobile hotspots so patrons can get reliable internet at home. Los Angeles Public Library’s Tech2Go program, for example, circulates laptops, tablets, and hotspots for at-home use, and media reports have highlighted long-term bundles for patrons who need connectivity for school and work. Check your library for device loan periods and eligibility.
14. Makerspaces: 3D printing, laser cutting, and more
Public-library makerspaces offer pro-grade tools—3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, audio studios—often free after a short orientation. Los Angeles Public Library’s Octavia Lab and DC Public Library’s Fabrication Lab are strong examples, supporting everything from school projects to small-business prototypes. Material costs and booking rules vary, but the equipment access alone is a huge perk.
15. Free notary services
Need a document notarized? Many libraries host trained notaries and offer appointments at no cost—ideal for powers of attorney, affidavits, and school forms. Policies differ (bring valid ID; some documents may be excluded), but availability is widespread in city and county systems. Book ahead online or by phone.
16. Free exam proctoring
If your school or employer requires a proctored exam, check your library before you pay a testing center. Many libraries proctor written or online exams for residents at no charge, by appointment and within set time limits. It’s a helpful, quiet, and budget-friendly option for distance learners and certification seekers.
17. Tool-lending libraries
Some public libraries lend tools and equipment—think drills, sanders, ladders, even kitchen gadgets—so you can complete a home or school project without buying gear. Berkeley Public Library’s Tool Lending Library has served residents for decades and shows what’s possible when a “library of things” takes off. Eligibility and loan periods vary, but the savings can be substantial.
18. Seed libraries for home gardening
Seed libraries let you “check out” free packets of vegetables, herbs, and flowers each season—often with workshops on starting seeds and saving them. Many systems encourage (but don’t require) returning seeds from your harvest to restock the collection. It’s a low-cost way to learn gardening and stretch grocery budgets.
19. Free study and meeting rooms
Need a quiet room for a study group, interview, or community meeting? Many libraries let cardholders reserve study and meeting rooms at no charge, with online booking up to 60 days in advance. Rooms typically include tables, screens, and Wi-Fi; larger event spaces may carry fees, but standard meeting rooms are often free.
20. Free New York Times access
Why pay for a news subscription when your library may cover it? Many systems offer complimentary NYTimes.com passes (e.g., 24–72 hours, renewable) so you can read the paper and apps from home. Look for a “New York Times Digital” link on your library’s site and follow the pass instructions.
21. Live job coaching and resume help
Libraries license Brainfuse JobNow and Tutor.com to provide free one-on-one job support: resume reviews, interview practice, and skills tutoring, often available daily. You’ll log in with your library card, meet with a coach online, and access templates, career assessments, and test prep. It’s a powerful resource for jobseekers and career changers.
22. Free music via Freegal
With Freegal, many libraries let you stream a massive catalog and download a set number of DRM-free tracks each week—yours to keep. Libraries cover the cost, so you get legal, ad-free listening and downloads on web or app. Limits and catalogs vary by system, but it’s an easy way to build playlists without monthly fees.
