There’s so much to appreciate about libraries this National Library Week! Libraries are there for families when they need it the most, from capturing your little one’s attention at story time to providing a safe place to play on hot or cold days. But have you tried your local library for any of these other (free!) resources?
Every library is different depending on funding, administration, and the local area’s needs and resources, but public libraries tend to offer a lot of different items and services to use, borrow, and take advantage of — and that’s in addition to all of the amazing books, periodicals, and information they already offer!
In some cases, you could even plan a year’s worth of activities for your family, without spending anything. Browse the list below and ask at your local library to find out which of these resources you may be able to access with just your library card.
Museum passes: With some advance planning, you can often get free or discounted tickets to local museums, zoos, and other cultural institutions for the whole family, thanks to the library’s community passes. Just ask at the front desk and have your calendar handy to pick a date.
Board games or lawn games: Some libraries let users borrow or use games or sports equipment to help you plan a fun family day, from chess to badminton to lawn bowling.
Movie streaming: Don’t have a DVD player at home anymore? You might be able to stream a selection of movies, documentaries, and shows online with a free Kanopy or Hoopla subscription via your library card.
Homework help: Extra academic help doesn’t always have to come at a steep cost. Ask in your library’s children’s room for information about tutoring programs and homework support sessions for various grades and ages.
Science kits: Get free STEM enrichment at home by borrowing things like kids’ science experiment kits, telescopes, or graphing calculators from the Library of Things.
Classes and clubs for all ages: When’s the last time you checked your library’s calendar of events? You might find music classes for toddlers, STEM enrichment for big kids, manga clubs for teens, or yoga sessions for adults. It’s a great way to find community and learn new skills, often without spending a dime.
Craft kits/equipment: Some libraries put together seasonal craft kits for families with young kids to bring home, while some have free knitting needles or crochet hooks to borrow, or even sewing machines, Cricut machines, or 3D printers to use in special crafting rooms on site. Check your local library for the creative possibilities!
Blocks and toys to play with: When you’re a primary caregiver to a young child, just having another space to play in can be a lifesaver. Library children’s rooms can be the perfect place for toddlers and preschoolers to explore different materials as well as practice social skills like sharing.
Birding equipment: If you’re curious about a new hobby but not sure if you want to invest in it just yet, try your local library for a loaner! Some may have equipment to borrow like binoculars, backpacks, and guides to local birds or wildlife.
Household/gardening tools and free seeds: If there’s a tool you aren’t sure you’re going to use more than once, some libraries might have it available to borrow. In addition, many libraries now offer packets of seeds that you can take home and plant!
Fun cake pans: If you think about it, a cake pan is something that doesn’t get used very often and is perfect for sharing and borrowing — especially if it’s a special shape that you’ll only use for one or two birthdays. Find out if your library has baking supplies!
Musical instruments & sheet music: Yes, some libraries (like the Brooklyn Public Library) allow you to borrow drums, keyboards, ukuleles, amplifiers, and more! Plus, many let you borrow or photocopy music scores.
Wifi and computer access, educational games: You don’t necessarily need to have multiple devices at home for your family to access all of the online resources they need for school, job searches, and more. Get access at the library — some have kid-safe devices and teacher-approved computer games too!
Printer access: If you’re one of the many families who doesn’t have a printer at home, you can easily print your occasional-but-important forms and documents at the library (often for a small fee).
A warm/cool place to hang out, no questions asked: Just having another space besides your home where you can go without feeling obligated to buy anything is a rare resource these days. It’s especially invaluable during hot, cold, or inclement weather, when you can’t just hang out at a public park all day.
