Your Library Card: The Best Free Ticket in Town
Large-print books, free e-books, clubs, classes and even museum passes. The library has been busy since you last checked.
Prefer to watch? Here is the video version (large print, no sound needed). Watch on YouTube
Think back to the last time you used your library card. If you had to blow the dust off it, you’re not alone. A lot of us got out of the habit somewhere between raising kids and retiring. But today’s library is a lot more than quiet shelves and a stern "shush." It may be the best free ticket in town.
1. Books your way
- Large print. Most libraries have a large-print section, with plenty of bestsellers, mysteries and westerns. If yours doesn’t have a title, ask. They can often borrow it from another library.
- Audiobooks. Great for long drives, knitting, or resting tired eyes.
- Help finding a good read. Tell a librarian the last book you loved and watch their eyes light up.
2. Free e-books and audiobooks
If you have a tablet, a phone or an e-reader, your library card can bring books to you without leaving the house.
- Many libraries use the free Libby app. Download it, enter your library card number, and start borrowing.
- You can make the print as large as you like and adjust the brightness.
- Books return themselves when they’re due. No late fees, ever.
If setting it up sounds fiddly, many libraries offer free one-on-one tech help. Bring your device and they’ll walk you through it.
3. More than books
This is the part that surprises people.
- Clubs and groups: book clubs, knitting circles, chess, and writing groups
- Classes: computer basics, smartphone help, genealogy, and local history talks
- Movie afternoons and concerts, often free
- Museum and park passes: many libraries lend free or discounted passes to local museums, zoos and state parks
- Things to borrow: some libraries lend magnifiers, puzzles, board games, even tools or cake pans
Every library is different, so pick up a calendar of events at the front desk or look on their website.
Try this today
- Find your library card, or sign up for a new one. It’s usually free with a photo ID and proof of address.
- Ask at the desk what’s coming up this month.
- Borrow one large-print book or try one e-book.
Make it a regular outing
Pick a day of the week to stop by. It’s warm in winter, cool in summer, and you’ll start to recognize familiar faces. Some of the best conversations I’ve had lately started in the new-books aisle.
Take the grandkids
Children’s story times, summer reading programs and holiday crafts are free and fun. Getting a grandchild their own library card is a gift that keeps on giving.
Can’t get there? The library can come to you
If driving or walking to the library is hard, ask about homebound or books-by-mail services. Many library systems will deliver books, large-print titles and audiobooks to your door, or mail them out with a free return label. Some run a bookmobile that makes regular stops at senior apartments and community centers. A quick phone call to the front desk will tell you what your library offers.
When did you last visit your library, and what did you borrow? Tell me in the comments.