7 Surprising and Exciting Things You Can Do With a Library Card

Here at Sweety High, we firmly believe that everyone should have a library card that grants them access to their local library.

It's worth it alone for access to lots of great books and a quiet, warm place to hang out, read and study, but did you know that having a library card can also come with other unexpected perks? Read on to discover seven surprising and exciting things you can do with a library card and expand your mind even further.

Access to Museums

Across the U.S., certain library systems have programs with museums, zoos, aquariums and more, so having a library card means you can visit these esteemed establishments for free. For example, a library card with the Brooklyn, Queens and New York Public Libraries allows you to access their Culture Pass to reserve free passes to more than 100 museums and institutions across New York City. Similarly, an L.A. Country library card grants access to all kinds of SoCal institutions with the Discover & Go program. Across the U.S., there are too many of these programs to list here, so check with your local library system to see if they offer free opportunities to get out into the world and learn.

(via Unsplash)

 

State Parks Passes

Many U.S. libraries are also more than happy to help you connect with nature with passes to state parks. Holders of California public library cards can video their local libraries to enquire about the State Library Parks Pass, granting access to more than 200 state parks. The Washington State Library system offers their own Discover Pass, granting entry to Washington State Parks and lands owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for free. Again, it's a matter of checking with your libraries to see what programs they have on offer.

 

Also read about: 15 Thoughtful Quotes From Classic Literature to Use as an Instagram Caption

 

Movie Rentals

Explore your library, and you may find that they have big sections dedicated to DVDs and Blu-rays for rent. Don't be shy! While much of this material is educational, they also have new and classic films and even TV series you can borrow. Usually, you can't hold on to them for as long as a book, but they're worth checking out regardless. If your library is part of a library system, it may even be possible to transfer media from other libraries to rent.

 

Movie and TV Streaming

If your library doesn't have the physical media you're looking for, they just might offer it up via a streaming service. Many library systems have subscriptions to platforms like Hoopla and Kanopy, which are similar to Netflix, hosting thousands of films, TV series, eBooks, comics, audiobooks and more in one convenient place. You can go to their websites and enter your library card information to see if your library is signed up and create your own account. If your library doesn't have a subscription with them, you can also reach out to see if they're willing to sign up.

(via Kanopy)

 

Access Software

In today's day and age, accessing graphics, video and photo editors is getting more and more expensive—especially with many requiring monthly paid subscriptions. Most libraries have access to programs like Adobe, allowing patrons to save money by heading to the library and use these platforms for free on their computers. Many will also allow you to print a certain number of pages, free of charge.

 

Check Out Old Newspapers and Magazines

While some libraries may still have sections containing physical newspapers and magazines for research purposes, many have since moved into the digital age. In addition to any online databases your local library may have on their own, your library card may also grant you access to resources like PressReader, featuring scans of older physical media perfect for anyone who's studying, researching or just looking up history for fun.

(via Unsplash)

 

Also read about: 5 Best Tablets for Late-Night Reading

 

Check Out eBooks

When we can't get to the library in person, we mostly use our library cards to conveniently check out eBooks online. Depending on your library system, it's likely that you have thousands of books at your fingertips at any moment via your phone or tablet or choice, thanks to apps like Libby and SimplyE. Just plug in your library card info to see what eBooks (and audiobooks!) are available to check out or to put one on hold to be alerted whenever it's ready for you.

 

Ready to check out your next book? Click HERE for our favorite Instagram captions for spending time at the library.