the library is a safe space
different ways you can use the library this summer
I remember a time in school when we were required to have library time. Once a week, we would go to our school’s library and take out a couple books to read or take computer classes or learn about research. At least once a year we would take a trip to the local library and we’d be allowed to open library cards so we could visit the library when we weren’t in school. Eventually, my school got rid of their own library and the field trips to open our own cards became nonexistent.
I didn’t think about this much until I became an older sister, then an aunt, and I realized just how little kids know about the library. Almost everything has become completely digital, which is great – I mean I wouldn’t have this little corner of the internet were it not for the rise of technology – but also incredibly sad in the grand scheme of things.
The library has so much to offer, most of which is free ninety-nine. With summer right around the corner, I figured I’d share a list of resources with you on different ways you can use the library. Obviously every library is different, so please check your library’s website to see if they offer any of these or if they have even more cool things at your disposal.
Fun Ways to Use the Library
Save money on streaming services.
If you’re anything like me, you got rid of cable for the convenience of streaming. The prices were cheap, commercials weren’t a thing, and you could watch whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted, wherever you wanted. Then one streaming service turned into three until eventually every single network came up with their own streaming service and the convenience of streaming became the very experience that made us switch from cable in the first place. The library is a great replacement for this. Now, this isn’t a feature available in every library, but I highly recommend going to yours and checking if they are affiliated with Hoopla or Kanopy. Through these websites you can access a ton of movies, shows, and more for free with your library card. They also have a huge selection of Hallmark movies for all my Hallmark lovers out there.
Psst. the library is also doing free streams of the World Cup games!
Test run games before purchasing.
Going hand in hand with streaming, you can also check out games for your console at the library!! Whether you have a PlayStation, X-Box or Nintendo the library has a large variety of games for you to check out. These days games are super expensive so this is a great way to figure out whether a game is worth investing in. Some libraries even have board games for your next game night!
Beat your reading slump with recommendations tailored to your interests.
My library has this really cool feature where you get 5 book recommendations from a librarian based on your interests. A lot of the time these are books that aren’t really popular or that you haven’t heard of yet which leads to some really cool discoveries. You can also ask for books completely out of your comfort zone. So if you’re ever in a slump and want to take the decisions out of your hands, this is definitely worth checking out.
Expand your knowledge for free!
Not only does the library teach you how to use a bunch of computer programs like Excel and Photoshop, but they also offer hundreds of courses through Linkedin Learning, Mango Languages, Coursera, Creativebug, and more.
Psst. If you’re learning a new language, you can check out books in that language at the library for free!!
Pick up a new hobby.
So many libraries across the nation have a huge collection of seeds for you to start your own garden. They also have a variety of tools for podcasting, content creation, baking, crafting, sewing and more. If you’re in the mood to learn how to play an instrument, you can check some out at the library. The beauty about this is that you get to try new things without committing to buying all the equipment necessary to try it out. I’ve even heard of libraries with fishing poles available to check out if you want to try fishing for an afternoon.
Access to cool places for free or at a discount.
Most libraries partner with museums, botanical gardens, zoos, theaters and more to provide cardholders with new experiences at affordable prices. This summer I’m going to use my library card to check out the STREB Lab for Action Mechanics. I’ve never been to a circus but I’m fascinated by trapeze artists and acrobatic performances. At STREB I can either watch the rehearsals of the artists affiliated with the company or I can take my own classes and learn some new tricks. I’ll also be revisiting some of my favorite childhood museums like the Intrepid Museum and the Museum of Natural History.
If we’re being honest, the library is probably up there on the list of whimsy places. It doesn’t just house thousands of books (which is my dream), but it’s also a bank for expanding your horizons. There’s so much to do, so much to learn, and it’s truly a wonderful resource that will save you a ton of money. I hope this summer you’re able to check out some of the offerings at your local library. Don’t forget to tell me all about it when you do!
With love & a cup of coffee,
P.S. for even more offerings, open a library card in different locations. Different libraries offer different things, so give yourself the opportunity to check them all out!
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Have a happy & safe week!