25 Things to Do at the Library Besides Reading
Think libraries are just about books? Think again! Modern libraries are community hubs offering FREE WiFi, study rooms, streaming movies, 3D printing, job help, tax preparation, classes, and 20+ other services. This guide reveals everything you can do at your library with just a free library card (or sometimes without one!).
Last Updated: January 15, 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes
π― Quick Navigation
π Things You Can Do WITHOUT a Library Card
π‘ Pro Tip: You don't need a library card to access many library services! Walk-in visitors can use WiFi, study spaces, computers (at some libraries), attend events, and read physical materials in the building.
1. Use Free WiFi
- Speed: 50-500 Mbps (varies by library)
- Password: Usually no password required (open network)
- Time Limit: None - use all day
- Devices: Connect laptop, phone, tablet simultaneously
- Coverage: Entire building + sometimes outdoor areas
2. Study or Work Quietly
- Find a seat in reading room or quiet zone
- Bring laptop and work all day (no time limits at most libraries)
- Perfect for remote work, homework, exam prep
- Climate-controlled, well-lit, comfortable seating
- Power outlets at most desks/tables
3. Attend Free Events
- Author talks and book signings
- Story time for kids (no registration needed at most)
- Concerts and performances
- Film screenings
- Art exhibitions
- Community meetings
4. Browse and Read In-Library
- Read any book, magazine, or newspaper without checking out
- Current magazines and newspapers in reading room
- Reference books (encyclopedias, atlases)
- Browse new releases on display
5. Use Computers (Library-Dependent)
Note: Computer access policies vary:
- No card needed: ~40% of libraries (walk up and use)
- Guest pass: ~30% (ask at desk for temporary access)
- Card required: ~30% (need library card to log in)
π» Technology Services (Card Required)
6. Use Public Computers
What's Available:
- Desktop computers with internet access
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite at some libraries
- Printing, scanning, copying
- Typical time limit: 60-120 minutes per day (can often renew)
7. Borrow Laptops and Tablets
Laptop Lending Programs:
- In-library use: Chromebooks, Windows laptops (2-4 hour checkout)
- Take home: Some libraries lend laptops for 1-2 weeks
- Tablets: iPads, Kindles, e-readers for 1-3 week loans
- Requirements: Valid library card, sometimes deposit or good standing
8. Borrow WiFi Hotspots
- Take home mobile WiFi devices (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
- Typical loan: 1-4 weeks
- Unlimited data (no overages)
- Perfect for: Remote work, online classes, job searching from home
- Availability: Check with your library (increasingly common)
9. Print, Scan, Copy, Fax
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black & White Printing | $0.10-0.25/page | Some libraries offer free quota (10-20 pages/month) |
| Color Printing | $0.50-1.00/page | Higher quality for presentations |
| Scanning | FREE | Scan to email or USB drive |
| Copying | $0.10-0.25/page | Self-service copiers |
| Faxing | $1-2/page | Becoming less common |
10. Access Research Databases
Premium Resources (FREE with library card):
- Academic: JSTOR, ProQuest, Academic Search Complete
- Newspapers: New York Times, Wall Street Journal archives
- Genealogy: Ancestry.com (in-library use)
- Business: ReferenceUSA, Mergent Online
- Consumer Reports: Product reviews and ratings
- Learning: LinkedIn Learning, Coursera access at some libraries
π¬ Movies, Music & Entertainment
11. Stream Movies & TV Shows
Kanopy (Available at 90% of libraries):
- 30,000+ films including Criterion Collection
- Indie films, documentaries, foreign films
- Kids content (KanopyKids unlimited)
- Typical limit: 10-20 films per month
- Stream on phone, tablet, computer, TV (apps available)
Hoopla (Available at 75% of libraries):
- Movies, TV shows, music albums, audiobooks, comics
- Instant borrowing (no waitlists!)
- Typical limit: 5-10 items per month
- 48-hour to 21-day loan periods
12. Borrow DVDs & Blu-rays
- New releases (typically 1-2 months after theatrical)
- Classic films, TV series box sets
- Loan period: 3-7 days typical
- FREE - no subscription fees (unlike Netflix, Hulu)
13. Stream & Download Music
- Hoopla: Stream full albums instantly
- Freegal: Download MP3s to keep forever (5-7 per week typical)
- Physical CDs: Still available at most libraries (1-3 week loans)
14. Borrow eBooks & Audiobooks
Overdrive/Libby (Standard at 95% of libraries):
- 1,000,000+ eBook and audiobook titles
- Read on Kindle, phone, tablet
- Loan periods: 7-21 days (auto-return, no late fees)
- Hold system for popular titles
15. Read Digital Magazines
- Libby Magazines: 3,000+ current magazines (no limits!)
- The New Yorker, Time, Wired, National Geographic, etc.
- Read on phone or tablet
- Latest issues + back issues
π Classes, Workshops & Learning
16. Take Free Classes
Common Library Classes (All FREE):
Technology Skills:
- Computer basics (email, internet)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
- Smartphone/tablet tutorials
- Social media basics
- Online safety and privacy
Life Skills:
- English as Second Language (ESL)
- Citizenship preparation
- Financial literacy
- Health and wellness
- Cooking and nutrition
Creative Skills:
- Writing workshops
- Photography
- Arts and crafts
- Music lessons
- Coding/programming (for kids & adults)
Academic:
- Homework help/tutoring
- GED/high school equivalency prep
- College prep
- Test prep (SAT, ACT)
- Language learning
17. Join Book Clubs
- Fiction, mystery, sci-fi, romance, non-fiction clubs
- Monthly meetings (in-person or virtual)
- Library provides books for all members
- Free to join, no commitment
18. Get Homework Help & Tutoring
- Live Tutoring: After-school homework help (K-12)
- Online Tutoring: Tutor.com, Brainfuse (access through library website)
- Study Spaces: Quiet areas and group study rooms
- Subject Help: Librarians can help with research, citations
19. Learn Languages
- Mango Languages: 70+ languages with interactive lessons (free with library card)
- Rosetta Stone: Available at some libraries
- Conversation Groups: Practice Spanish, French, etc. with others
- ESL Classes: For non-native English speakers
πΌ Career & Job Search Help
20. Get Job Search Assistance
Free Career Services:
- Resume Reviews: Librarians or career counselors review and provide feedback
- Cover Letter Help: Templates and personalized advice
- Interview Practice: Mock interviews, tips, clothing (some libraries have professional clothes to borrow!)
- Job Databases: Premium sites like Indeed Premium, LinkedIn Premium access
- Computer Use: Apply for jobs, check email, create accounts
- Printing: Print resumes and application materials
21. Start or Grow a Business
- Business Research: Market research databases
- Workshops: How to start a business, marketing, accounting
- Meeting Spaces: Free rooms for client meetings
- Legal Forms: Access to Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom through some libraries
- One-on-One Consulting: SCORE mentors at library (free business advice)
22. Get Free Tax Help
- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Free tax preparation for income <$60k
- Tax Forms: Federal and state forms available
- Tax Software: Free e-filing through library computers
- Appointments: Schedule sessions during tax season (Jan-Apr)
π¨ Creative & Makerspaces
23. Use Makerspaces & 3D Printing
Available at 50%+ of urban libraries:
- 3D Printing: Print custom objects ($1-5 depending on material used)
- Laser Cutting/Engraving: Create custom designs
- Sewing Machines: Brother, Singer machines available
- Recording Studios: Podcast recording, music production
- Video Editing: Professional software and coaching
- VR/AR: Virtual reality headsets and experiences
- Electronics: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, soldering equipment
24. Borrow Non-Book Items
Library of Things (Varies by library):
- Musical instruments (guitars, keyboards, violins)
- Board games and puzzles (3-7 day checkout)
- Baking pans and kitchen tools
- Gardening tools and seeds
- Telescopes and binoculars
- Science kits and educational toys
- Camping equipment
- Projectors and screens
25. Use Creative Software
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (library computers)
- Video Editing: Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro
- Music Production: GarageBand, Logic Pro
- Graphic Design: Canva Pro access through some libraries
π€ Community & Social Services
26. Meet Community Organizations
- Voter registration drives
- Food pantry information and resources
- Social services referrals (housing, healthcare, legal aid)
- Senior programs and resources
- Veterans services
27. Attend Cultural Programs
- Author talks and readings
- Poetry slams and open mics
- Art gallery exhibitions
- Cultural celebrations (Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.)
- Film series and discussions
- Live music performances
28. Use Meeting Rooms for Free
- Community group meetings
- Study groups
- Non-profit organization events
- Book clubs and discussion groups
- Typical capacity: 4-50 people depending on room
29. Get Research Help from Librarians
- Genealogy Research: Trace family history
- Local History: Historical newspapers, photos, documents
- Academic Research: Find scholarly sources, citations
- Legal Research: Basic legal information (not legal advice)
- Health Information: Reliable medical information resources
β Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do at the library besides read books?
Libraries offer 25+ free services: use WiFi and computers, stream movies (Kanopy/Hoopla), attend classes and workshops, use study rooms, print/scan/copy, borrow laptops and hotspots, access research databases, get job help with resume reviews and interview coaching, attend author talks and events, use makerspaces with 3D printing, borrow non-book items like musical instruments, and much more - all free with a library card.
Can I just sit and work at the library without checking out books?
Yes! You don't need a library card to sit and work at the library. Walk in, find a seat in the reading room or quiet area, use free WiFi, and stay as long as the library is open. Most libraries allow all-day studying with no time limits. It's perfect for remote work, homework, exam prep, or any task requiring quiet focus and free internet.
Do libraries have free WiFi and computers?
Yes! All public libraries offer free WiFi (usually no password required, no time limits). Most libraries have 20-500+ public computers available on a first-come-first-served basis with Microsoft Office, internet access, and printing capabilities. Some libraries offer laptop checkout for in-library use (2-4 hours) or WiFi hotspots you can take home for 1-4 weeks.
What free classes do libraries offer?
Libraries offer free classes in: computer skills (Microsoft Office, email basics, smartphone tutorials), English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship preparation, resume writing and job skills, coding and programming, digital literacy, book clubs and reading groups, arts and crafts, financial literacy and budgeting, health and wellness, genealogy research, and much more. Check your library's events calendar for current offerings.
Can I watch movies for free at the library?
Yes! Most libraries offer multiple ways to watch movies for free: Kanopy (stream 30,000+ films including Criterion Collection - 10-20 per month), Hoopla (instant streaming of movies, TV shows, music - 5-10 per month), DVD/Blu-ray checkout (new releases and classics, 3-7 day loans), and sometimes in-library film screenings. All completely free with a library card - no subscription fees required.
Do libraries help with job searching?
Yes! Libraries offer extensive free job search help: resume reviews by librarians or career counselors, interview coaching and mock interviews, LinkedIn profile setup assistance, access to premium job search databases (Indeed, LinkedIn Premium), computers for filling out applications, free printing of resumes and cover letters, career development workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Many libraries even have professional clothing to borrow for interviews!
Can I use a 3D printer at the library?
About 50% of urban libraries and 30% of suburban libraries have makerspaces with 3D printers available for public use. Typical cost: $1-5 depending on material and print time. Staff will help you design or upload your 3D model. Some libraries also offer laser cutters, sewing machines, recording studios, and other creative equipment. Check your library's website for makerspace availability.
Do I need a library card to use the WiFi?
No! Library WiFi is available to everyone with no library card required. Just walk in with your laptop, phone, or tablet, connect to the library's open WiFi network (usually no password), and you're online. No time limits, no fees. Some libraries have faster WiFi speeds (100-500 Mbps) than standard home internet.
π Related Resources
π Your Library Offers More Than You Think!
Next time you visit your library:
- Ask at the reference desk: "What services does this library offer?"
- Pick up the monthly events calendar
- Check the library website for digital resources
- Take a tour if available
You might be surprised at what's available - all FREE with your library card!