There are so many things you can do with your library card besides checking out books. For many of them, you don't even have to come to the library!
Did you know that it's officially Library Card Sign-up Month? Yes, there is a month for everything! Hear me out, though, if you don't already have a library card (or even if you do), cause library cards do more than you know!
1. Stream a Movie, TV Show or Music
With hoopla and a library card you can not only read eBooks (without holds lists), listen to audiobooks, and read graphic novels, but you can also watch popular movies, listen to great music, and watch TV. Who needs Netflix or Spotify?
2. Go to a Museum
Wanting to visit local museums and attractions, but finding the price tags to be a bummer? The library's got you covered! With Discover & Go, your library card gets you discounted and free admissions to more than 100 local venues.
3. Learn a New Language
Wanting to brush up on your Spanish? Planning a trip to Japan? Need to practice English? Trying to impress your new French friend? Head on over to Pronunciator and give it a try. With Pronunciator you can learn 87 languages, including ESL. All free and easy with your library card.
4. Use a Computer
Every Oakland Public Library location has computers for your use. Work on homework or a resume, apply for a job, check your email, play a game, spend an hour staring at Facebook - we don't mind! Some locations have laptops for in-house use, too.
5. Read a Magazine
Save the trees! Read your magazines digitally and for free with OverDrive Magazines (formerly known as RBDigital). You'll need your library card, of course.
6. Learn about Your Family
Your library subscribes to Ancestry and HeritageQuest so you don't have to. These are great resources for family history. Search for family's names and see what you discover!
7. Figure out How to Repair Your Car
Maybe you remember (or even still use) those big old Chilton's repair manuals.
Did you know that they now have an online version? You can search by make, model, and year and get the information you need for vehicle maintenance and repair.
8. Prepare for a Test
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow, Peterson’s Test Prep, ProCitizen, ProCitizen (En Español), and Tutor.com are online tools for all ages for standardized test preparation, researching undergraduate and graduate programs, finding tuition assistance, preparing students to take the United States Naturalization test, and exploring careers. They also includes test prep assistance for career certification exams and advice on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, and networking. And they're all free with your library card!
9. Watch an Animated, Talking Picture Book
Screentime for the kiddos, but educational! Tumblebooks offers adorable interactive picture books for kids, including all kinds of titles with games and puzzles. Works with an iPad.
10. Check out books. And DVDs. And Videogames. And Seeds. And Tools. And Toys.
And yes. Of course you can come to the library and check out books. But, not just books. And not even just DVDs and magazines and videogames. We have seeds! And tools! And even toys! All available with your library card. And please know that we don't charge overdue fines for children or teens!
September might be a great month for you to finally get a library card! What's your favorite library resource that we missed in this post? Let us know in the comments!
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