Library of Things
Many public libraries lend far more than books: tools, museum passes, Wi-Fi hotspots, telescopes, cake pans, seeds and more. Borrow it free instead of buying it.
Free Stuff
On the Board Today
But first, here’s a message from Professor Ima B. Cheap:
Think twice, spend once.
Free Mulch, Compost and Utility Freebies
Cities, counties and utilities give away free mulch, compost, LED bulbs, water-saving gadgets, shade trees and even leftover paint. Here is how to find them.
Birthday Freebies
Join free restaurant and store rewards programs and collect free treats, desserts, drinks and discounts on your birthday. Here is how to celebrate for free.
Free Museum Days
Many museums offer free admission days every month, plus the yearly Smithsonian Museum Day and free museum passes from your library. Here is how to find them.
Free Online Classes: Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare and More
Learn almost anything for free with Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, free course previews and senior audit programs at public colleges. No tuition required.
LibreOffice and Free Office Software
Skip paid office subscriptions. LibreOffice, Google Docs and other free tools let you write letters, build budgets and make slideshows for $0.
Little Free Library
Little Free Library book-sharing boxes let you take a book and share a book in your neighborhood. Find boxes near you on the free map and app.
NLS Talking Books
The Library of Congress National Library Service lends free audiobooks, braille, magazines, and a talking-book player by free mail to people with low vision, blindness, or physical or reading disabilities.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a free book each month to children from birth to age five where a local program exists, and grandparents can help by sharing the link with parents.
Freebie Directory Sites
Five long-running freebie directory sites, including Free Stuff Times and The Freebie Guy, plus how to tell real free samples from traps that want your card or endless surveys.