Public Libraries
Public libraries are one of our most important resources in fighting fascism and creating a healthy democracy. They don’t just have books, classes, computers and more — they’re also one of the only places people can spend time without spending money.
Get a library card, and get to know this gem in your community. Find an event or check out an audiobook — libraries are amazing!
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Library Resources:
- Books: most people associate libraries with books, and for good reason. Libraries have extensive catalogues of fiction, non-fiction, magazines, and more.
- Visit your in-person library to browse their selection (just like you would at a bookstore!). Ask a librarian for recommendations, it’s a great way to get new book ideas and get acquainted with your community.
- Most libraries also have an online catalogue. You can search for any book in the whole library system and place a hold on it.
- E-books and Audiobooks: Most libraries also have extensive digital collections of books.
NOTE: returning digital books when you finish them helps libraries and other patrons. If you use Kindle’s library interface, they have made it hard to return books when you’re done, costing libraries money, so learn to return.
- Movies and other Visual Content: Libraries also give you access to movies, tv shows, and so much more! All of this can be viewed from the comfort of your home.
- Many libraries have movies, tv shows, and music available to physically borrow from the library. Visit in-person, or online, to experience the joy of renting physical media.
- Hoopla also gives you free access to movies, tv shows, and music through your library. You can access this on your phone or computer.
- Kanopy has an interesting selection of visual media from around the world. With a library card you get a certain amount of free credits each month that you can use to rent material.
- Printing: Most libraries give their members a certain amount of money for printing each week.
- Computers: Many libraries also have computers that can be used for free.
- So. Much. More: Every library has a wide variety of further offerings. From hosting free lunches during the summer, to 3D printers, to art you can check out, the potential is endless. Discover what your local library has to offer!
Learn more about digital borrowing:
“Why do I have to wait so long to get a digital book from my library?” Licensing for digital content is very expensive and the contracts are predatory. Licenses for digital material can cost up to 3-4 times as much as purchasing physical content and they often expire, so libraries need to continually repurchase them. This doesn’t mean we should avoid digital check-outs. If we get our books from the library instead of places like Kindle Unlimited, libraries’ negotiating power grows. For more information, read this article from the Spokane Library in Washington State.
