The wonderful world of libraries: how they enhance your life while helping you save money

If it’s been a few years since you’ve visited your local public library, you’re in for a treat. They’re still the cozy, comfortable places we visited as kids — and so much more.

Far from a thing of the past, libraries remain one of the most important institutions in our society. They provide everyone free access to information and education, and countless other resources that would otherwise be hard to find or afford. They also promote literacy through tutoring programs and early childhood literacy activities that encourage people to read for pleasure.

Libraries provide a welcoming atmosphere. They’re a place where people can meet friends, study for exams, or relax with a good book. Many also offer meeting rooms and reading rooms for the whole community.

In person and online, libraries offer various services including, but not limited to, books, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, ebooks, audiobooks and more. Most public libraries also provide computers and other services such as internet access, photocopying, printing, scanning and faxing.

But, wait — there’s more!

If you haven’t done so in a while, sign up for a library card. There’s no better time than National Reading Month, celebrated every March. Then, check out the library’s website, or stop in and visit with a librarian to learn about all the money-saving services available to you.

At some libraries, you can:

• The Nashville Public Library, for example, offers free passes to the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the National Museum of African American Music.

• The New York Public Library’s performance art space has concerts featuring a choir and a quartet. And at different libraries in Los Angeles County, people can watch a classical guitarist or a harpist perform.

Take free language classes and other classes and workshops.

• Many libraries give patrons access to online language learning resources such as Mango Languages, a service that has courses for more than 70 languages.

• Some libraries offer classes, workshops and other activities you can participate in for free, like workout classes ranging from tai chi to Zumba.

• Libraries can also help you find a new hobby. Learn photography or take a class with a naturalist. Some libraries will let patrons borrow the necessary gear like “birding backpacks” for birdwatching.

• Borrow tools (like a cordless drill), baking pans from bakeware collections, musical instruments, video games, board games and more.

• Pick up seeds to start a garden and drop off seeds for others to take home and plant.

• There’s usually a small fee, but it’s often less expensive than printing at an office supply store or shipping center.

• A library card can provide access to free online help from expert tutors or Tutor.com, which offers live one-on-one homework help for students in K-12 and higher education. That’s a great deal considering hourly rates for a private tutor can range from $25-$80 an hour.

• Local libraries might also have resources for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. For example, Broward County Library in Florida has a free 10-hour test prep workshop for high school students that can cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere. And graduate students may be able to find resources for exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and MAT.

• Librarians can also help students with school projects. They can find relevant books or order them from another branch.

• Many libraries offer programs to support the community. Job-seekers can take computer literacy courses and get assistance with job applications and interview preparation. Immigrants can take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and classes to prepare them for their U.S. citizenship exam.

• Some libraries provide tax and legal help. At tax time, check to see if there are volunteer tax experts available to give you advice, and help you file at no cost. And at some libraries, patrons can schedule time with a lawyer if they need legal advice.

Sometimes, local public radio stations are in tune with the local public library offerings. For example, KIOS, Omaha, Nebraska’s public radio station, features “Off the Shelf,” a weekly update on the news and events taking place at the Omaha Public Library. Past offerings have included Freegal Music, Kanopy (films, TV shows and documentaries), and new genealogy databases.

So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to read a good book or want to learn a new language, check out your local public library. It literally has something for everyone.