If you read my blog post about my no-spend 2019, you should know my first month without shopping is going really well. In addition to not buying any new clothes I’ve also cancelled my Amazon Prime subscription and decided not purchase any new books in 2019. 

I love reading and set a goal to read at least one new book a month this year. I guess you are wondering how I’m going to do this for free. I’m going to check books out from the library. Your local library is an underutilized resource right in the neighborhood. As a child I loved going to the library and would beg my mom to take me after school. For some reason as an adult I forgot how great of a resource the library was. 

Here are five things you didn’t know you could do with your library card:

1. Check out audio and digital books

My local library has access to thousands of audio and digital books for rent. This has been super helpful for reading while on the go. I like to listen to audio books while I’m at work and read digital books from my iPad. The library has a partnership with the Kindle app so your books are saved there temporarily.  

2. Research your family history

I’m currently researching my family history and don’t have access to the archives online at home. My local library has access to records from Ancestry.com available to all library card holders. These records are only available in a branch location. Some Saturdays I’ll spend a few hours at my local library branch utilizing their access to Ancestry.com. 

3. Download the latest magazine titles

As a teenager, I would check out old magazines from the library and take them home to read. I just realized last week that the library has access to the latest magazine titles online. Most libraries have this capability now. In my research I found two apps: Flipster and RB digital. 

4. Take online classes

If one of your 2019 goals is to increase your learning, you’re in luck because your local library often hosts in-person and online workshops. My library has access to over 500 classes online for free. 

5. Check out the latest best sellers  

There is a misconception that the library has old and outdated tiles. That’s a complete myth. My library has most of the latest best sellers available to check out. You might have to wait a few weeks to get your hands on a copy but it’s available for you to rent. If your library doesn’t have the title you want you can go into your local branch and request that they order the book.

Do you utilize your local library? Tell me in the comments below.