7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money | NPR

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TL;DR

Before you buy something, see if you can borrow it from the library

Reserve free tickets to local museums and attractions

Print out your documents at a discount

Get free help with homework and standardized tests

Take free fitness, hobby and language classes

Attend free concerts and performances

Access free social services
- Also rent DVD and Blu ray discs for free
  
  Or access to free streaming of movies
  
  And video games, including new titles, if you don't mind potentially waiting just a little.
As someone who spends a lot of time in coffee shops (working, reading studying), the library is a nice change of scenery and you don't have to buy anything to justify taking up space. A lot of libraries are stunning too.

Also they get you access to audiobooks which are a great alternative to paid subscriptions. I do have a libro.fm account though to support my local indie bookstore.
This is great! Many things I didn't think of...
- My mind was blown when I realized my library gives you $3/day of free printing (@10c/page). I will never pay to print anything again, since I mostly have random 1 off things to print every once in a while.
A library where I used to live in PA kept small household tools and appliances for checkout. Great for when you need a Kitchenaid mixer three times a year.

8 comments