7 Surprising Library Services That Will Save You Money (2024)

7 Surprising Library Services That Will Save You Money (1)

Public libraries are one of the older institutions we have here in the U.S.! The first publicly funded library was established in Peterborough, New Hampshire in 1833, and today there are over 16,000 public library buildings across the country!

But libraries are not just a relic of the pre-internet era. In fact, libraries continue to offer valuable information and services to their communities, free of charge! Your library exists to provide these services, and using these services is a great way to save money.

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So today I wanted to shed some light on library services by sharing 7 unexpected items you can borrow from them for free! If you don’t already have a library card, you’ll definitely want one by the end of this post! :-)

Disclaimer: While many of these items are available at my local library and may be available at yours, I can’t make any guarantees! For specific details about the services offered by your local library, I encourage you to visit their website, give them a call, or stop by to chat with a librarian. :-)

7 Surprising Library Services That Can Save You Money

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1. Mobile Hotspots

In addition to offering internet access at the library itself, many libraries are making mobile hotspots available to their patrons too. Check-out periods are typically limited to a few days at a time, but it could be a lifesaver if you’re in a bind!

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2. Book Club Supplies

Many libraries offer book club supplies in the form of a Book Club Kit or a Book Club in a Box. These kits include multiple copies of a popular book and a discussion guide about the book.

With one of these kits, hosting a book club has never been easier (or cheaper!) Just check out a kit, distribute the books to your group, and set a date for your book discussion!

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3. Seeds

Some public libraries feature a “seed library,” where you can borrow seeds to help start your garden. Obviously you won’t be able to “return” those specific seeds to the library, but you’re encouraged to donate seeds from the plants you grew so someone else can make use of them!

Libraries with seed libraries will have information about how to collect seeds from your plants so you can donate them.

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4. Games

For your next family gathering, why not plan a game night? Many libraries offer board games, video games, and even lawn games for patrons to check out.

In addition to offering cheap family fun, checking out a game from the library is a great way to “try before you buy.” You can learn the rules and try it out before committing to buying your own copy.

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5. Tools & Equipment

Increasingly, public libraries are offering way more than just books! In fact, many libraries now feature tools, equipment, and other items that patrons can borrow or use for a variety of purposes.

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For instance, our local library recently got a new 3D printer. They’re now offering classes where kids can learn to use the printer to make their own action figures!

In addition to 3D printers, your library might offer power tools, instruments, kitchen tools, science equipment, and more. Ask a librarian to find out what tools and equipment your local library has stashed away!

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6. Admission Passes

Another great service that many libraries offer is access to local cultural centers! Our local library offers one-week rentals of Utah State Parks Passes, meaning we could spend a full week visiting our beautiful state parks for free!

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7. Meeting Space

Need a place to hold a business or community meeting? Check with your local library! Many libraries have conference rooms you can reserve for free.

And in the rare event that your library charges a fee to use their conference rooms, it will likely be significantly cheaper than it would be to rent a conference room at a commercial workspace!

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Visit Your Local Library!

If there’s anything I want you to take away from today’s post, it’s that library services can save you money and enrich your life! You can learn more by visiting your local library to talk with a librarian!

They’ll be happy to tell you exactly what kinds of surprises lie in store for you there! :-)

Have you ever borrowed a non-book item from your local library?

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7 Surprising Library Services That Will Save You Money (2024)

FAQs

7 Surprising Library Services That Will Save You Money? ›

Library Problem 1: Decreased Foot Traffic

Although many folks have library cards and attend library programs, the per capita visits to libraries in the United States have decreased over the last decade. Libraries took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are still struggling to bounce back.

What is the biggest challenge now faced in library? ›

Library Problem 1: Decreased Foot Traffic

Although many folks have library cards and attend library programs, the per capita visits to libraries in the United States have decreased over the last decade. Libraries took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are still struggling to bounce back.

What are three benefits of using the library? ›

  • 1 They offer free educational resources to everyone. ...
  • 2 Libraries are safe refuges for the homeless and underserved populations. ...
  • 3 They help boost local economies. ...
  • 4 They play an important role in English language learning. ...
  • 5 Libraries make communities healthier. ...
  • 6 They preserve history, and more importantly, truth.

How can I make my library more interesting? ›

A surefire strategy for libraries is providing a series of smaller "places" within and around them to attract people. These attractions don't need to be elaborate to make the library a success. In fact, numerous small attractions, such as a vendor cart or playground, will effectively draw people throughout the day.

How do free libraries make money? ›

Did you know that staff salaries, books, other library materials, office supplies, and utilities are funded primarily by city and county taxes? State taxes and special revenues cover roughly a third of those expenses. But federal grants cover a much smaller portion, often for minor renovations or one-time improvements.

What are things that damage the library? ›

Do not use disinfectant, cleaner, water, soap, bleach, hand sanitizers, wipes, or anything other cleaning product on library materials. Do not leave library materials outside or in the sun for long periods or use UV treatments on them. Any of the above can damage books.

What are the challenges of library services? ›

Some of the challenges include inadequate funding, inadequate and outdated stock, bad location, lack of adequate and qualified staff, lack of staff motivation and insecurity of library materials. Inadequate funding: Inadequate funding is a serious challenge affecting the activities of public libraries in Nigeria.

How can I improve my library service? ›

How to Improve College Library Services
  1. Invest in More Digital Resources. ...
  2. Incorporate Digital Searching and Checkout. ...
  3. Add Smart Speaker Technology. ...
  4. Focus on Technology and Hardware Investment. ...
  5. Create Private Study Spaces. ...
  6. Install Group Collaboration Spaces. ...
  7. Add Creative Tools. ...
  8. Offer Fast, Free Internet.
Dec 30, 2023

How can you convert your library into a good library? ›

Create a welcoming and collaborative space.
  1. Decorate your library in a way that reflects the interests of your students. ...
  2. Declutter the books in your library. ...
  3. Encourage students to use the library for both individual and group work.

How the library can save you money? ›

In some locations, you can borrow tools (saving a purchase at the hardware store), take free language classes and even get free tickets to local museums and attractions. The resources that your library has to offer will depend on its size and funding, which comes in part from taxpayer dollars and donor funds.

Why Little Free libraries are good? ›

The Little Free Library movement is a good opportunity to teach children about reusing items while also increasing the number of books they can get access to.

Do libraries get their books for free? ›

Public libraries purchase books from publishers or distributors. When they do that, authors then receive royalties from their publisher. The more copies a library buys from a publisher, the more royalties the author will earn!

What are the challenges of libraries in the 21st century? ›

Emezie and Nwaohiri (2013) in their paper highlight the challenges to effective information services delivery in the 21st century and these to them include: lack of competency, lack of technology literacy, poor internet connectivity, inadequate power supply and poor funding.

What is the biggest challenge facing the book publishing industry today? ›

Industry Volatility: The publishing world is in constant flux. Factors like supply-chain disruptions, technological advancements, and the rise of alternative media contribute to an environment where many publishing companies face challenges to their survival.

What are the challenges of library classification? ›

Such problems included:- Use of outdated cataloguing and classification tools ,inadequate knowledge of cataloguing and classification rules and therefore poor interpretation and application of these rules, backlogs, lack of stationery, shortage of professional staff, manual systems, and many more.

What is the reading challenge at the library? ›

Children set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading anything they enjoy. Children can sign up at their local library or online, and it's FREE to take part. This year's Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it's all about creativity!

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