With an infinite amount of online resources, owning a library card might seem a little outdated. However, these wallet-sized passes can be used for more than just borrowing books. Today, library cards can give you access to all sorts of unexpected perks—and most of them are completely free!
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Do you have a library card? Here are 9 little known benefits that come with it.
Museum Passes
Museum entry can be expensive, so spending a day admiring art may not be a luxury we can all afford. Luckily, programs such as Culture Pass allow you to use your library card to gain free admission to dozens of cultural institutions. Check out the participating museums and attractions near you on the Culture Pass website and start exploring your city today.
Download e-Books
Many book lovers would agree that there’s nothing quite like turning the pages of an old book. However, sometimes it’s just easier (and lighter) to download books onto your digital device. With a library card linked to apps like Overdrive and SimplyE, you can borrow and download countless e-books, audiobooks, and more.
Stream Movies
When you’re exhausted from checking out museums and reading to your heart’s content, you can use your library card to access thousands of movies. Card holders from many libraries across the U.S. can have use streaming platforms such as Hoopla and Kanopy for free.
Read Old Newspapers and Magazines
Many public libraries have huge magazine and newspaper databases online that allow members to access old clippings and articles in full color. Apps such as PressReader and Flipster are amazing resources for anyone who wants to look into the past—and it’s all free with a library card.
Learn a Language
If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language but can’t afford the classes, Mango Languages is a freely available service in thousands of public libraries around the world. With a library card you can access online learning programs for over 70 different languages.
Rent Movies and Music for Free
Fans of vintage films and music, rejoice! Libraries are often filled with old CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-Rays that you can borrow for free using a library card.
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Learn New Career Skills
No matter your profession, it’s never too late to improve existing skills or gain new ones. Learning platforms like Lynda are available on computers at many public libraries, and you can also sign up for a free account using your library card number. Enjoy the thousands of online courses in fields such as web development, education, media production, and business—all from the comfort of your own home.
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Digital Software
If you’re a digital artist, photographer, graphic designer, or filmographer, there’s no need to purchase expensive software. Most of today’s libraries have subscriptions to programs such as the Adobe Creative Suite. All you need to access them is a library card.
Prepare for Exams
Whether you’re studying for an SAT or preparing for your college application, platforms like LearningExpress can help you achieve your goals and prepare for future success. The best part? You guessed it—it’s free to use with your library card.
h/t: [Apartment Therapy]
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