Everything Your Library Offers for Free

What You Can Borrow

• Fiction and nonfiction books (new releases and classics)
• Large print books
• DVDs and Blu-ray discs
• Audiobooks on CD
• Music CDs and vinyl records
• Video games (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
• Magazines and graphic novels
• Board games, puzzles, and STEM kits

Unusual Things Libraries Lend

• WiFi hotspots (take internet home free)
• Laptops and tablets
• Power tools and hand tools
• Sewing machines and craft supplies
• Telescopes and binoculars
• Musical instruments (guitars, ukuleles, keyboards)
• Fishing poles and tackle
• Kill A Watt energy meters
• Cake pans and kitchen equipment
• Seeds for your garden (seed library)

Interlibrary Loan (Free)

If your library does not have a specific book or item, they can request it from another library anywhere in the US through interlibrary loan (ILL). This service is free at most libraries. Simply ask at the reference desk or submit a request online through your library's catalog. Items typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks.

Fun fact: US libraries processed over 30 million interlibrary loan requests in 2025, connecting readers with materials from libraries they never knew existed.

Ebooks & Audiobooks

Libby (by OverDrive): The most popular library ebook app. Browse and borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your library's digital collection. Works on iOS, Android, Kindle, and web browsers. Borrow for 7–21 days; books return automatically.

Hoopla: Instant access to ebooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, TV shows, and music. No wait times — everything is available instantly. Most libraries offer 8–15 borrows per month.

Learn more about digital benefits →

Streaming & Music

Kanopy: Over 30,000 films including Criterion Collection, Great Courses, documentaries, indie films, and foreign cinema. Most libraries offer 5–10 film credits per month. Includes a dedicated kids section.

Freegal: Stream and download music from Sony Music's catalog. Keep up to 5 downloads per week permanently. Stream unlimited playlists.

PressReader: Access to 7,000+ newspapers and magazines from around the world, including The Washington Post, LA Times, and international publications in dozens of languages.

Learning & Courses

LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com): Thousands of video courses on business, technology, and creative skills. Free with library card at participating libraries. Normally costs $29.99/month.

Creativebug: Arts and crafts video classes from professional instructors. Painting, knitting, sewing, woodworking, and more. Unlimited access.

Mango Languages: Learn 70+ languages with interactive courses designed by linguists. Free with library card.

Free WiFi Access

• Available at every branch — no card required
• Speeds typically 25–100+ Mbps
• Extends to parking lots and outdoor areas
• No time limits on WiFi use
• Filtered for safety on children's devices (CIPA)

Free Computer Access

• Desktop computers with internet, word processing, and spreadsheets
• Sessions typically 1–2 hours (extendable if no one is waiting)
• Microsoft Office or LibreOffice suite included
• USB ports for saving files to flash drives
• Headphone jacks for private listening

Full computer access guide →

WiFi Hotspot Lending

Many libraries now lend portable WiFi hotspot devices that you can take home for 2–4 weeks at a time. This gives you free home internet service. Popular programs include New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, and hundreds of smaller systems funded by federal E-Rate and state broadband grants.

Equivalent retail value: $50–$100/month for home internet service.

Study Rooms

Most libraries offer individual and small-group study rooms that seat 1 to 8 people. These rooms are soundproofed, have a table and chairs, power outlets, and WiFi. Some include whiteboards. Booking is usually done online or at the circulation desk, with sessions of 2 to 4 hours.

Find libraries with study rooms →

Meeting Rooms

Library meeting rooms accommodate 10 to 200+ people and are available for community meetings, non-profit board meetings, workshops, and civic events. Most come equipped with projectors, screens, and whiteboards. Booking is free with a library card and typically opens 30 to 90 days in advance.

Creative Spaces

Many modern libraries include makerspaces with 3D printers, laser cutters, and design software; podcast and recording studios with professional microphones and soundproofing; photography studios and green screens; and sewing labs with industrial machines. All are free with a library card (some require a brief orientation).

For Children & Families

• Weekly storytime sessions (babies through age 5)
• Summer reading programs with prizes
• STEM and coding workshops
• Arts and crafts programs
• Homework help and tutoring
• Movie screenings
• Animal and nature programs

For Adults

• Author readings and book clubs
• Job search workshops and career fairs
• Resume writing and interview prep
• Computer and digital literacy classes
• English language (ESL) classes
• Citizenship test preparation
• Free tax preparation (VITA program)
• Financial literacy workshops

For Seniors

• Technology help (smartphones, tablets, email)
• Health and wellness programs
• Genealogy workshops
• Social clubs and discussion groups
• Medicare and Social Security information
• Large-print book clubs
• Movie afternoons

Typically Free

• Scanning (flatbed and document feed)
• First 10–20 B&W pages at many libraries
• Saving files to USB drive
• Email printing (send from home, pick up at library)

Small Fee (Where Charged)

• B&W: $0.10–$0.15/page
• Color: $0.25–$0.50/page
• Faxing: $0.25–$1.00/page
• 3D printing: $0.10–$0.20/gram

Are libraries really free?

Yes. Public libraries in the United States are funded by local taxes and provide the vast majority of their services completely free of charge. Getting a library card is free for anyone who lives, works, or attends school in the library's service area. Borrowing books, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs, and using WiFi, computers, study rooms, and attending events are all free. Some libraries charge small fees for printing, 3D printing, or non-resident cards, but core services are always free.

Do I need a library card to use free library services?

Not for everything. You can walk into any public library and use the WiFi, read books and magazines on-site, use computers (with possible time limits), attend events, and access reference materials without a card. However, to borrow books, access ebooks and databases from home, reserve meeting rooms, or use some specialized services, you need a free library card.

Can I get free ebooks from the library?

Yes. With a free library card, you can borrow thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby (by OverDrive) and Hoopla. These apps work on any smartphone, tablet, Kindle, or computer. You borrow ebooks just like physical books — they check out for 7 to 21 days and return automatically. There are no late fees for digital materials. Most libraries offer tens of thousands of ebook titles.

Is library WiFi free?

Yes. Every public library in the United States offers free WiFi to anyone in the building — no library card required. Simply connect to the library's WiFi network and accept the terms of use. Many libraries also extend their WiFi signal to parking lots and outdoor areas. Some libraries lend portable WiFi hotspots that you can take home for weeks at a time, completely free with a library card.

Can I print at the library for free?

Many libraries offer a limited number of free pages per day (typically 10 to 20 black-and-white pages). After that, printing usually costs $0.10 to $0.15 per page for black-and-white and $0.25 to $0.50 for color. Some libraries have gone fully free for printing. Scanning is almost always free at libraries that have scanners. Faxing is also available at many locations for free or a small fee.

What free events do libraries offer?

Libraries offer hundreds of free events annually including author readings and book signings, children's storytime, summer reading programs, job search workshops, resume writing help, computer and technology classes, English language (ESL) classes, citizenship test preparation, tax preparation assistance (VITA), movie screenings, craft workshops, STEM programs for kids, and community discussion groups. Check your library's event calendar online or pick up a printed schedule.