If you haven’t checked out your library lately, you should. The library has many amazing benefits, one of them being able to save you money.

Check out this list of how to save money at the library. The library can save you several hundreds of dollars, if not more.

My library is awesome. I save so much money by using the library (probably a thousand dollars a year). This is the easiest way I save money.

How long has it been since you visited the library? If it has been a while, you will be amazed at what the library now offers. The library is more than just books.

Libraries also have ebooks, audiobooks and online classes. Some libraries offer games, puzzles, fishing poles, cooking equipment and telescopes to check out. There are many amazing advantages of the library.

I am at the library every week and I regularly attend the library programs.

On rainy afternoons when my kids are bored, we go to the library. The library has a play area and a coloring area that my kids love. We can spend hours at the library.

Most Friday nights, we have family movie night. The kids are able to pick out the movie we watch at the library. They love looking at all of the different movies and I love that it doesn’t cost anything.

My daughter brought home the book Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs from school. When I told her that it was also a movie, she wanted to watch it. Not a problem. I just went to the library and I was able to check out the movie Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and she loved it.

How To Save Money At The Library : Library Benefits

1. Books

This is the obvious reason to go to the library. You can check out new released books, best sellers, and classics. But the library has so much more to offer than books.

2. eAudiobooks

Did you know the library offers eAudiobooks? Free materials can be downloaded using an internet browser or an app.

3. Ebooks

No need to go to the library for the book you are wanting to read. You can now borrow and read books without having to go to the library.

4. Digital Magazines

Instead of subscribing to a costly magazine, you can read the digital version on your desktop, mobile device or app for free via your library.

Are you wanting to read the actual magazine? No problem, you can go to the library and check out the magazine.

5. Used book sale

Never pay full price for books. A great opportunity to buy books at a cheap price.

6. Online courses

Many libraries offer free online classes on a variety of topics. There are over 300 courses to choose from.

7. Play area for kids

Play is an important part of early literacy, and many libraries now offer play areas for kids. This is a perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon and it doesn’t cost anything.

8. Coloring area for children and adults

This is a great way to relax and unwind and it is free.

9. STEAM activities

The libraries understand that science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics are important and many offer STEAM activities for children.

10. Book Clubs

Do you love to read? Book clubs are a great place to discuss books and make new friends.

The library usually has several book clubs to choose from.

11. Movies

Besides the classics and children’s movies, the library also has the new releases. There may be a waiting list for new released movies.

12. Movie Screenings

The library also shows newly released rental movies at the library and some serve free popcorn.
13. Learn a new language

Your library may offer a free tool to learn a new language. You can learn at your own pace with self-directed lessons, live teachers and movies.

14. Teen Programs

Libraries are not just for little kids and adults. Many libraries offer programs for teenagers.

15. Kids art classes

Does your child love to paint and color? Check out your library, they may have a free art class for your child to take.

16. Adult art classes

The library also offers adult art classes.

17. Family game night

Usually once a month, the library may offer family game night or another family activity.

18. Character meet and greets

The library offers a special program or special story time with costume characters.

19. Creative play dates

A structured play group where you can meet other moms and your kids can play. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends.

20. Craft Circle

This is a great opportunity to learn a new craft without spending a lot of money.

21. Memory Cafes

Social gatherings at the library for those experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

This sounds like an awesome program.

22. Read to Rover

Is your child struggling to read or doesn’t want to read aloud? Your child may be able to read to a dog at your library.

23. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

An awesome program to get kids to love books at an early age. Kids can earn prizes just by having books read to them.

24. Meeting rooms and study rooms

Do you need a quiet room to study or work on a project? The library offers rooms for you to use at no cost.

25. Tech Help

Your library may be able to help you with your laptop, smartphone, or other small electronic device.

26. Mobile printing

Do you need something printed and don’t have a printer? Your library may be able to help. You may have to pay a small fee to use the printer.

27. Ancestry Library Edition

If you are working on your family tree, you may be able to access Ancestry Library Edition for free with your library card.

28. Genealogy classes

Your library may also offer genealogy classes to help you get started with collecting your family’s history.

29. College goal seminar

Your library may offer a class to help guide students and their parents in completing the free application for federal aid.

30. Tax help

Need help with your taxes? Your library may be able to help you.

31. Lego club

A library program where kids can use their imagination to build with Legos.

32. Positive Parenting Program

Your library may offer a program that teaches parenting skills. Positive parenting providers teach families how to spend less time battling misbehavior and more time building close relationships.

33. Art for your walls

I read about a library that lets you checkout the artwork on the walls.

34. Check out a lap top for in library use.

Do you need to finish some computer work, but don’t have access to a laptop? No problem. Your library may have a laptop you can check out for in library use.

If your library doesn’t offer laptops, they probably have desktop computers for you to use.

35. Kids and adults reading programs

Need motivation to read more? Many libraries offer summer reading programs that offer prizes for reading books.

36. Fine Arts

Do you enjoy listening to music? Many libraries offer a music performance or dance performance or poetry readings in the evenings. This is a great free way to spend an evening.

37. Newspapers

Instead of a costly newspaper subscription, you may be able to read newspapers online with your library card. One example of a newspaper available is the New York Times.

If you prefer a hard copy of the newspaper, libraries also offer a hard copy that you can read at the library.

38. Escape rooms or Unlock The Box programs

Occasionally, the library may offer an escape room program. This is a good, free way to try it to see if you like it.

39. Retirement programs / Estate planning program

Your library may offer free seminars on retirement and estate planning.

40. Garden club

Do you love to garden? Are you looking for garden advice or new plants for your garden? Your library may have a garden club.

In the spring the library near me has a garden swap. You bring your seedlings, divisions, or cuttings to swap with other gardeners.

You should check to see if your library offers this program.

41. Basic computer classes

Do you want to learn the computer and need a basic computer class? Your library may be able to help you.

42. Math club for teens

Is your teenager struggling with math? Your library may have a recreational after-school math club that helps teens enjoy math.

43. Free computer use / WiFi

Don’t have computer access or internet access? No worries. Head to your library and use one of their computers for free.

44. Aerobics

Some libraries offer aerobics classes.

45. Sewing

Some libraries offer sewing classes or even offer sewing machines to be checked out.

46. Homework help

Does your child need some extra help with homework? Some libraries offer homework help or homework clubs.

47. 3D printing

A library in South Carolina has a 3D printer and for a small fee, they will print your name with the 3D printer.

48. State park passes, museum passes or zoo passes

Before heading to the museum, state park or zoo, check to see if your library has a pass you can check out. It doesn’t cost anything to ask and it may save you money.

49. Board games

Some libraries offer board games that can be played in the library or checked out.

50. Toys

You may be able to check out toys from your library.

In Summary

The library offers so much more than just books. I was surprised at how much the library has to offer and the majority of the programs are free, which saves me money.

These programs may or may not be at your local library. If there is a program you want offered at your library, ask them about it. If enough people show an interest, they may decide to offer the program.

I am lucky to have 3 libraries near me that I can visit. My libraries offered 1-43 on the list, but not all of these programs were offered at all 3 libraries.

I am sure your library has it’s own awesome offerings. Does your library offer a program that I didn’t list? I would love to know your ways of how to save money at the library. Please comment below.