If the Professor could hand every student just one money-saving tool, it would be a library card. It’s free, it takes about five minutes to get, and it unlocks hundreds of dollars a year in things you might otherwise pay for. And no, it’s not just books anymore.
Professor’s note: Every library is different. Some offer all of these, some only a few. Check your library’s website or ask at the desk, “What else can I borrow or use with my card?” Librarians love that question.
Lesson 1: Free Ebooks and Audiobooks
Most libraries lend ebooks and audiobooks through free apps you can use on your phone, tablet, computer, or e-reader:
- Libby (from OverDrive): ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Popular titles may have a waiting list, so place holds early.
- hoopla: ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and TV, often with no waiting at all (libraries usually set a monthly borrowing limit).
Savings check: If you’d otherwise buy a couple of books or an audiobook subscription each month, that’s easily $150 or more a year back in your pocket.
Love Kindle? See also How to Get Free Kindle Books Legally.
Lesson 2: Free Movies, TV, and Music
- Kanopy: thoughtful films, classic movies, documentaries, and Great Courses lectures, free with many library cards.
- hoopla: movies, TV episodes, and full music albums.
- DVDs and Blu-rays: still on the shelves at most libraries, often including new releases.
Before you add another streaming service, check what your library already gives you free.
Lesson 3: Free Newspapers and Magazines
Many libraries offer free digital access to newspapers and magazines that would otherwise cost a subscription, either through Libby or a special library login. Some even provide free access to major national newspapers. Ask what’s available before you pay.
Lesson 4: Free Museum and Park Passes
Lots of libraries lend free or discounted passes to local museums, zoos, gardens, and attractions. Just check them out like a book.
Californians, this one’s a gem: With the California State Library Parks Pass, you can check out a free vehicle day-use pass that covers one car (up to nine people) at more than 200 participating state parks. It’s available at over 1,100 public libraries across the state, and California made the program permanent in 2026. These passes are popular, so place a hold. Note that it covers vehicle day-use only, not camping, tours, or museum fees.
Lesson 5: Free Classes and Learning
Your library card can be a free ticket to learning that would otherwise cost money:
- Language apps like Mango Languages, available free through many libraries
- Online courses in computer skills, business, and more (some libraries provide free access to paid learning sites)
- In-person classes: computer basics, smartphone help, crafts, book clubs, and talks
- Homework help and tutoring for kids and teens
- Job help: resume reviews, job search workshops, and practice tests
Lesson 6: The “Library of Things”
A growing number of libraries lend things you’d rarely need to buy:
- Tools, from drills to stud finders
- Kitchen gadgets, like stand mixers, pressure cookers, and cake pans
- Sewing machines and craft supplies
- Board games, puzzles, and video games
- Telescopes, binoculars, and nature backpacks
- Musical instruments
- Wi-Fi hotspots to take home
- Seeds from a seed library
Professor’s rule: If you’ll use it twice a year, borrow it. Your closet and your wallet will thank you.
Lesson 7: Free Tech and Office Services
- Free Wi-Fi and computer use
- Low-cost printing, copying, scanning, and sometimes faxing
- Help from staff with forms, email, and online applications
- Quiet study rooms and meeting spaces you can reserve
Lesson 8: Free Tax Help and Community Services
During tax season, many libraries host free tax preparation for people with low to moderate income and for seniors, often through volunteer programs. Libraries may also connect you with help signing up for benefits, legal aid clinics, voter registration, and local resources. If you need something and don’t know where to start, the library is a great place to ask. For all your free tax filing options, see How to File Your Taxes for Free.
How to Get Your Card
- Bring a photo ID and something showing your current address, like a piece of mail or a lease.
- Ask at your local library’s front desk. Some libraries let you sign up online.
- Ask whether your card works at other library systems nearby. In some areas, you can get cards from more than one library, which doubles your free stuff.
Library cards are almost always free for residents, and many libraries have done away with late fines.
Quick Review
- Free ebooks and audiobooks with Libby and hoopla.
- Free movies with Kanopy and hoopla.
- Free newspapers and magazines.
- Free museum passes, and in California, free state park passes.
- Free classes, language learning, and job help.
- Borrow tools, gadgets, games, and hotspots.
- Free Wi-Fi, computers, and help with forms.
- Free tax help and community services.
Looking for more freebies? Visit the Freebie Finder. More from the Financial Aid Office: Lifeline Phone and Internet Discounts, Help Paying Utility Bills, 10 Ways to Save Money on Prescriptions, and Free or Cheap Medical Equipment.
Need More Than Savings?
Our sister site Chances.org has free, step-by-step guides when you need more help:
- Job Help: free job training, resume help, and job search resources
- Government Benefits: programs you may qualify for
- Food Help: food banks, SNAP, and free meals
Class dismissed. Go get that card, and tell the librarian Ima sent you.