What to save money and get your hands on powerful resources?

Most people love to find deals that keep more dollars in their pockets, whether it is cutting coupons, buying a two for one meal, or waiting for Black Friday sales. However, one place that you can get access to free items every single day is at your local library.

Recently NPR posted an article titled, As budgets tighten, people are breaking out their library cards. In it, reporter Joel Hernandez highlights the ways that people are returning to their local library branch to save on their education and entertainment needs. He first cites some basic facts.

Data shared with NPR by several of the largest public library systems in the U.S. show recent upticks in cardholder membership, circulation and event attendance. Librarians say part of that can be attributed to the rising cost of living — and the growing recognition that libraries’ resources extend far beyond physical books.

While it is obviously cheaper to borrow a physical book than to buy one, many people don’t know that a wide range of electronic materials can be found through the public library. Tools like Hoopla and CloudLibrary provide access to electronic materials through a library card.

“People start off with Audible and then a friend tells them, ‘Why are you paying for that? You can get that at the library if you’re a smidgen bit patient,'” said Jeremy Reeder, director of the Maricopa County Library District in Arizona.

Beyond books, Hernandez notes that libraries also serve as social hubs, providing needed resources to the community. He notes that food security is one of those resources.

Librarians note that libraries are also quick to respond to public needs, and have been a community resource for locals facing issues such as homelessness or food insecurity. One survey found that 56% of libraries offered food security support services last year, the same year a Republican tax and spending bill signed by President Trump ushered in major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and millions of Americans started to lose food benefits.

To learn more about the increased use of public libraries in these tough times, I invite you to read the rest of the article.