Everyone's library situation is different, but most libraries offer residents perks, subscriptions, discounts, and freebies. It's up to YOU to discover what you can get from your library!
Most people realize that their local library is a great place to find books to read. After all, this was their original purpose! But today's libraries often do way more for their patrons. Here are some perks that my library and our neighboring community's library offer:
Freebies, Discounts, and Services
- Printing Perks: 200 free black and white copies per year (100 double-sided), or 40 color copies. Additional weekly print perks for veterans—100 B&W pages and a unique patriotic card.
- Free Home Delivery: AHML offers monthly delivery of books, movies, and music for those homebound due to illness, age, disability, or caregivers. Talking Book and Braille services for those eligible.
- Seasonal Programs: Guided meditation, cosplay workshops, art shows, health screenings, tax prep seminars, and more.
- Museum Adventure Pass: Use your library card for free or discounted entry to over 20 Chicago-area museums and attractions, including Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden, and children’s museums. Valid one pass per household every seven days.
- Explore More Illinois: Free or discounted admission to dozens of state cultural attractions. Reserve passes online (adults only), limited to two at a time.
- Special Event & Program Discounts: Exclusive early access and member-only discounts for Friends of the Library book sales and other events. Friends memberships include early sale entry and digital cards.
Technology and Accessibility
- Free access to computers, printers, scanners, and high-speed WiFi.
- Tech help and maker spaces: AHML’s Makerplace (DIY equipment), Mount Prospect tech programming (Microsoft Office, maker classes).
- The Studio: Multimedia lab—video/audio recording, photo scanners, graphic design software, multimedia equipment.
- High-end crafting and maker equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing/embroidery machines, electronics benches, and scheduled workshops.
- Kid-friendly 3D printing, maker workshops, drop-in tech help, and creative arts/crafts programs.
- ADA-accessible services, cards, and resources for seniors and youth.
Premium Databases and Learning Platforms
- Kids’ & Youth Learning
- ABCmouse / Adventure Academy: Interactive early learning (ages 2–13).
- Brilliant.org: Math and STEM (for youth, <18).
- ParentTV: Parenting and caregiver education videos.
- Professional & Skills Development
- LinkedIn Learning: 16,000+ business, technology, and creative courses.
- Gale Courses / Udemy: 6-week instructor-led courses for tech, certificates, business, creativity, and languages.
- Creativebug: 1,000+ craft and art video classes (sewing, jewelry, holiday crafts).
- LearningExpress Library: Tutorials, standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GED, GRE), resume builder.
- Peterson’s Test Prep: Job, certification, and career test preparation.
- Language Learning
- Mango Languages: Learn 70+ languages, apps included.
- Pronunciator / Bluebird: 315+ languages, AI tutors, citizenship exam prep.
- Genealogy & History
- Access dedicated genealogy databases, local history archives, and live assistance for family research.
- Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, Newspapers.com, Fold3 (military records), local/county archives.
- Health & Wellness / Personal Finance
- Natural Medicines (NatMed Pro): Nutrition, supplement, and alternative medicine guides.
- FinancialFit: Personal finance education, tools, and tips.
- Consumer / Business / Technology
- Workshops and consultations for small businesses and nonprofits, including market research, business plan help, and conference rooms.
- Microsoft Office, Morningstar, Business Insights Global, ReferenceUSA (Data Axle), Small Business Resource Center, Consumer Reports (product reviews and ratings), ChiltonLibrary (auto repair guides), Home Improvement Source.
- Free meeting and study room reservations, including tech-enabled Zoom rooms and collaborative spaces.
- Homework Help & Study Tools
- Brainfuse / Tutor.com: Live homework help and study support.
- Science, history, world culture: Specialized databases for student assignments.
- Driving & Legal
- Driving-Tests.org: License, CDL, and motorcycle practice tests.
- Legal Forms Database: Personal, business, and real estate documents (AHML).
Collections and Online Resources
- Books / E-books / Magazines / Newspapers
- Over 350,000+ physical books for adults, teens, and children: fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, large print, special collections.
- Thousands of audiobooks on CDs, MP3, and Playaways.
- HOOPLA: Instant eBooks and audiobooks—more than 100,000+ titles available.
- Overdrive / Libby: 100,000+ downloadable eBooks and audiobooks; compatible with most devices.
- Hundreds of print and digital magazines (cooking, sports, finance, lifestyle, children’s, etc.).
- Overdrive/Libby: Full-color digital magazines available instantly.
- PressReader: Access to international, business, tech, and specialty publications.
- Digital and print issues of major newspapers: Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Daily Herald, and local papers, including current and historic issues through database subscriptions.
- Streaming / Videos / Video Games / Other
- Tens of thousands of movies via DVD/Blu-ray collections and digital platforms.
- Kanopy: Stream up to 10 films per month, including award-winning movies, international films, documentaries, and binge-watching “Great Courses.”
- Hoopla: Over 1,000,000+ instant-access streaming items—movies, TV shows, documentaries, comics, music albums.
- LOTE4Kids: Thousands of read-along video storybooks in 65+ languages, ideal for families.
- Hundreds of games for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii U, DS, etc. (checked out just like books); game consoles may be available for in-library use or short-term loan.
- Library of Things: Loanable tech (WiFi hotspots, Roku streaming sticks), STEM kits, board games, puzzles, telescopes, learning kits—borrow just like a book.
- Streaming music: Hoopla offers millions of music albums across genres, with BingePasses for CuriosityStream (documentaries), Hallmark Movies, Great Courses, Craftsy (arts/crafting tutorials), and more.
- Extensive children’s and family film/TV streaming through Hoopla Kids and Kanopy Kids.
- Regular free “Crafts-to-Go” kits—great for families or seniors to pick up and enjoy at home.
Additional Resident Services
- Community programs and events year-round: Storytime, workshops, author visits, language learning, genealogy, financial advice, with mailed schedules.
- Dedicated spaces: MPPL—teen/children’s areas, quiet study and meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces. AHML—experiential learning zones for kids, Senior Center Reading Room.
- Friends of the Library memberships: $5–$10/year, early book sale access, special events, supports library initiatives.
- Library card benefits: Free, permanent access for residents. Temporary and ADA cards available by mail.
- Financial/community resources: MPPL newsletters, financial programs, municipal connections (parks, bill payment, events). Notary services and voter registration available at select times.
If you're anything like me, you were surprised to discover all of the perks that our public libraries provide its patrons! Residents enjoy extensive free resources, discounts on local attractions, technology access, robust learning tools, and special perks for supporting the library—all at no extra charge!
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