September is Library Card Sign Up Month. That little piece of plastic in your wallet is more powerful than you think! Here are five ways your library card can help you save money. Already have a library card? Share this with someone you care about.
1. "Place a Hold" > "Add to Cart"
You can get books? From the library?! I know, big shocker. What you might not know is that you can check out up to 75 books at a time. That's almost enough to read all the One Piece mangas in one go.
But what if we don't have the book you want to read? Just click that Link+ hyperlink next to the item in our catalogue to request it from a neighboring library system and have it delivered to your local Oakland Public Library branch in about a week. Link+ is a combined catalog of over 11 million items from 64 libraries throughout California and Nevada that you can access with your Oakland Public Library card.
You can also search the LINK+ Catalog directly.
Hopefully, this curbs your appetite for late-night online book shopping.
2. Borrow a Portable Induction Stovetop
Hosting a hot pot night? Going glamping? Select library locations now lend out portable induction stovetops through this partnership with Bay Area non-profit, Acterra. Sign up here.
3. Free, Personalized Financial Guidance
Living in the Bay Area is expensive. Your library card doesn't just save you money on books, tools, and museum passes, but also connects you to free financial planning resources. Through programs like Advisers Give Back, eligible patrons can get matched with a financial advisor for a free one-on-one session. If you’ve saved less than $250,000 and earn under $100,000 a year (single) or $150,000 (married), you qualify for expert guidance that can help you plan, save, and breathe a little easier.
Find more financial advice here.
4. Skip the Paywalls & Read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal
Your library card gives you free digital access to premium news sources like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Stay informed without the monthly fees.
5. Free & Discounted Museum & Zoo Passes
Visit OMCA, the de Young, the California Museum of Sciences and many other art museums, science centers, and botanical gardens for free with your library card! Discover & Go is a partnership between cultural institutions looking to reach people who might not otherwise visit and libraries who want to bridge the gap between books and real-world discovery.
Login to Discover & Go with your library card number and PIN to get started.
What are you excited to check out with your library card?
Add a comment to: Save Money. Get a Library Card.