Are you taking full advantage of your local library to save you money? In local and university libraries across the country these 19 interesting things are available to help you save!
1) Video Games
Most university libraries have an extensive collection and many local libraries offer a fairly decent selection.
2) Video Games Systems (Xbox, PS4)
It may be a little harder to find a video game system at a smaller, local library but libraries like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for example, offer Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii systems.
3) GPS units
Available at Ivy League Universities like Cornell University Library, smaller schools like Florida International University Library, and universities in nearly every other state, GPS units can usually be checked out for short-term loans of two weeks – enough for that cross-country road trip you’ve been planning.
4) Museum Tickets
Many libraries have discounted or free day passes for museums in their locale. The Chicago Public Library has a “Kids Museum Passport” that gets a family of four with one child under 18 admissions to nearly any of the most popular museums and zoos in downtown Chicago.
5) Downloadable MP3s (to keep!)
The San Antonio Public Library offers free download of up to five tracks per week from Sony Music Entertainment artists.
6) eBooks
Most local libraries across the U.S. offer access to “OverDrive” which offers access to thousands of eBooks and magazines.
7) Audiobooks
Also through “OverDrive” or by physical DVD, your local library definitely has audiobooks available.
8) Toys
A few local libraries in Indiana offer “Alphabet Kits” which include a few toys and books that focus around one letter. The USA Toy Library Association offers rental of toys all around the country!
9) Meeting Rooms
If you need space for a group meeting – especially for a nonprofit – you can probably rent space for free at your local library.
10) DVDs
You might not have access to brand new releases, but you can definitely get classics and kids’ movies at your local branch. Get for rainy or sick days!
11) Telescopes
The library in Ann Arbor, Michigan offers telescopes for two-week rentals and even has tips for star-gazing around the area.
12) Audio-visual equipment
If your local branch doesn’t have telescopes, there is a pretty good chance they will at least have video cameras or projectors for you to borrow.
13) Book Club in a Box
Many local libraries offer 10-15 copies of the same book so that you can easily coordinate a book club. Sometimes they even have study or conversation questions available!
14) Seeds
We found at least one library offering an assortment of seeds – and you don’t even have to return them. They do recommend that you save and donate some of your own seeds at the end of the season.
15) Power Tools
Libraries from California to Ohio to Pennsylvania have power tools available. Considering purchasing a certain type of saw? Check it out from the library first to see how it works.
16) Fishing Poles
Libraries in Erie, PA and Chicago can help you out if your sport is fishing or if you want to take along a friend who doesn’t own a pole.
17) Art
Several local libraries lend art for presentations or research projects.
18) Musical Instruments
Although this probably isn’t a viable option for your kid who is starting violin lessons, if you’re interesting in more briefly trying an interesting instrument that you might not otherwise have access to, check if your local library lends it!
and finally...
19) Sick Kid Kits/Stories to Go
To cheer up your sick kid, many libraries have a Sick Kid Kit with a few toys or coloring books that coordinate with stories, or Stories to Go which center around a certain story and have other materials and suggestions for activities that coordinate with that story.
We hope you’ll use this advice to take advantage of your local library to help you save in the future!
What great freebies have you discovered at your local library?