Yahoo Finance 15 Things You Didn't Know You Could Get From the Library
You already know that the library is a great place to get books for free -- but most libraries offer so much more than what's on the shelves. Here are 15 things you might not have known you can get from the library.
1. Tickets to museums and other attractions. Many library systems offer free passes to local museums, aquariums and other cultural and educational attractions. For example, if you're a member of the Boston Public Library, you can borrow single-day passes to the Museum of Science and New England Aquarium. Other passes will give you discounted entry to the Institute of Contemporary Art, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and even a coupon for $4 tickets to minor league baseball games featuring the Pawtucket Red Sox.
2. Audio books. Of course libraries have books. But many of them also have audio books so you can listen to stories during your commute or workout. And frequently, they offer audio books in multiple formats, such as physical CDs you borrow and files you can download to your electronic devices.
3. DVDs. If you want something to watch, don't head to the Redbox -- go to your library. Libraries have substantial DVD collections, covering both TV and films, including popular movies, exercise videos, educational content and more.
4. Photograph collections. Many libraries house photo collections, usually with an emphasis on history of the area or state. For example, the Los Angeles Public Library has over 80,000 photos in its collection, which you can search online.
5. Ancestry information. Many libraries have subscriptions to genealogy websites and archives that are free for members to use. Ask at the front desk how you can access these resources.
6. Activities for kids and adults. Most libraries offer programs for both younger and older folks. For kids, activities include everything from storytime to summer book clubs to crafts. For adults, you can look to your local library for book clubs, lectures and much more. Check your library's website for a schedule.
7. Telescopes. You won't find this at every library, but many libraries offer telescopes that you can check out and take home to peek at the night sky. And don't think that just because you're from a small town, your library won't have one -- the public library in Gorham, New Hampshire, which has a population of under 3,000 people, has one to check out.
8. Expert purchasing advice. There's a lot of research you can do online, but when you're making a big purchase, it's hard to beat the research done by Consumer Reports. It might not make financial sense to get your own subscription to the magazine, but you can read back issues at your library.
9. Research assistance. Speaking of research, if you're not satisfied with what you're finding online, consider talking with a librarian. Librarians are trained in the art of research, and they might know about publications, databases and other resources you aren't aware of.
10. Computer classes. Never learn to type? Want to get better at Microsoft Word and Excel? Or are you just getting started with the Internet or computers and want to learn the basics? Many library systems offer free community computer classes.
11. Meeting rooms. At some libraries, members can reserve meeting rooms. Don't expect to run your business out of here, though. The rooms are usually reserved for recreational or nonprofit endeavors.
12. Games. Some libraries offer video games; some offer board games; some even offer lawn games! Check with your librarian to see what options you might have.
13. Electric car charging. Many cities and towns are now installing electric car charging stations in library parking lots. You can find stations at libraries in:
-- Houston, Texas,
-- Portland, Oregon
-- Iowa City, Iowa
-- Durham, North Carolina
-- Parkland, Florida
14. Household tools. Some libraries now offer tool lending libraries so you can borrow the gear you need for remodeling, landscaping and more. If your town's library doesn't offer this, do an online search before you give up hope -- some areas have tool lending libraries that are not associated with the public library.
15. Zines. Some libraries hold collections of "zines," which are self-published magazines on topics ranging from memoir to music to fiction. As with the tool library, don't give up hope if your local library doesn't carry zines -- there are also standalone zine libraries.
Meg Favreau is the senior editor for the personal finance blog Wise Bread, which covers rewards credit card mistakes and other personal finance tips.
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