45 Things Public Libraries Can Offer You

It's not just books anymore

Mar 15, 2025

brown and white concrete building under blue sky during daytime — Photo by chris robert on Unsplash

Recently, my friend Mary suggested I write a post about the resources offered by public libraries. I've written about public libraries before (here and here), but this time, I wanted to check out library systems across the United States to see what they're up to.

I explored websites for libraries in Washington (where I am), Montana, California, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York. I saw a lot of overlapping services, which is great news as those services give more people opportunities to take advantage of them. I had a lot of fun researching this post and I'm eager to share what I found. Here are 45 things public libraries can offer you.

50+ and Senior Support

Many libraries offer specific services to their senior members, including technology workshops, book groups, retirement information, and volunteer opportunities. Most people probably know how well libraries serve children, but I want to spread the word about how many branches are also focused on helping retired folks and those who are getting close.

Access to Rare Collections

Your local library probably has about 15 shelves full of James Patterson books, but did you know they also might offer rare or specialty collections? You might think such collections are only offered in academic libraries, but some public libraries have collections of important letters, old newspapers, primary sources, and city-specific documents. Consider asking your librarian what special collections your library might have.

Art Exhibitions

You can check out art books from the library, of course, but you can also view art. Libraries might hang the work of local artists, host art nights, or have artists in residence. Some have their own galleries. I love a good museum, but how cool that libraries are exploring the art space, too.

Book a Librarian Appointments

One of the best things my library does is their Book a Librarian service. Any patron can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a library staffer to get their advice and help with things like formatting a resume, downloading eBooks, or navigating their laptop. I appreciate that the help doesn't even need to be library-related. What a cool gift to the community!

Book Clubs

Oprah has one, Jenna has one, Reese has one, and your library probably has one, as well. If you like reading and discussing books with a community of other readers, book clubs are for you.

Books Delivered to You

I always enjoy visiting libraries in person to browse, but I'm able-bodied and have a car to get there. If you lack transportation or struggle with mobility, your library might have ways to get books directly to your door through the mail or bookmobile services. The two library systems in my city each have mobile libraries that visit daycares, apartment buildings, senior living centers, and nursing homes. I'm consistently inspired to learn about how libraries are reaching people in the community who might never set foot inside their doors.

Books Unbanned Library Cards

Founded by Brooklyn Public Library, Books Unbanned is an organization that "responds to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves in schools and public libraries nationwide." They partner with library systems across the United States to offer free cards to young people, regardless of whether or not they live in particular states. Check out their website if you're a young person who needs digital library access.

Braille Materials and Other Resources for Blind Patrons

I hope it's common knowledge that libraries offer audiobooks, but some also have materials and resources for blind patrons, including books and magazines in Braille. My former workplace had a special computer station set up with a screen reader, so libraries also help make technology more accessible.

Career Help

The library is a great place to go when looking for work. Your local branch might have a section specifically for career books. A staff member might be able to sit down with you and show you how to find job listings, help you apply, and assist you with formatting a resume.

Citizenship Support (Immigrant and Refugee Services)

One of the best things about libraries is that they're for everyone, whether you're an American citizen or not. Many libraries are busy supporting immigrants and refugees seeking citizenship through study guides, classes, and in-person support. There are also programs designed for those trying to learn English.

Classes and Events

If you want to learn or make something, try the library. Libraries host lectures, concerts, films, workshops, and professional tax help. Many libraries are reaching out to teens by hosting Dungeons & Dragons groups and anime clubs. Want to take a class on yoga, painting, or how to use Microsoft Word? Check your library's events page.

Curbside Pick-Up

A lot of places started offering curbside pick-up during the pandemic, including libraries. Do you have a mini-van bursting with children you can't leave unattended or a sprained ankle you don't want to hobble on? Choose curbside pick-up for your library materials!

A Demonstration Kitchen

The Missoula Public Library offers a demonstration kitchen, a place where patrons can "learn recipes and discover the joys of cooking." I love this concept so much! I'd love to see more libraries do something similar.

Election Access and Political Knowledge

Many libraries in states with early voting have ballot boxes where people can turn in their ballots without having to mail them. Libraries might also offer free voter pamphlets with information on all the candidates running in a local election. Elections are critical to any functioning democracy, and libraries play an important role by providing easy ways to vote and information about the candidates, whether that's through pamphlets, newspapers, books, or online resources.

GED Assistance

Those seeking a GED can find an excellent partner in their public library. Many sites offer GED classes or study guides. Some also offer practice tests.

Genealogy Research Opportunities

During my years working in a public library, I met many patrons who were dedicated genealogists thanks to free resources from the library. People would use our (very expensive) subscription databases and research for hours. Your library might also have rare primary source documents.

Homeschooling Support

One of the library systems in my city offers special cards for homeschooling families with a higher checkout limit. They also host programs specifically for homeschoolers. (I remember telling a homeschooling mom about the programs one day, and she was overjoyed.) One of my homeschooling friends regularly relies on library books to supplement her curriculum. Purchasing your own curriculum can be costly, especially if you have multiple children. Free resources from the library might help offset some of that cost and provide children with learning experiences they might not have had otherwise.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a wonderful tool used by libraries worldwide to give people greater access to materials by sharing them between library systems. Thanks to ILL, you could borrow that out-of-print book you can't find anywhere else. You could ask the library to order volume #42 of that long manga series you love. ILL makes it possible to get your hands on nearly any book.

Internet Access

You might think everyone has internet access and a computer at home, but that's certainly not the case, especially in more rural areas. Libraries provide wi-fi, desktop computers, laptops, and tablets.

Kits

It's fun for me to visit the library and fill up a tote bag full of books, but did you know that some libraries circulate bags that are already full? You can borrow book club kits containing multiple copies of books that are sure to get people talking. You can borrow kits for preschoolers or other early readers full of picture books and activities. Some libraries might offer memory kits to help those with Alzheimer's or dementia try to access fond memories from their past. In addition to books, my library checks out bags of blocks, STEAM kits, and Legos.

Language Learning

I've already mentioned the resources libraries offer to those learning English, but there's also help for people who want to learn or read in a different language. Whether you want to learn Chinese or read a book in Spanish, your library can help! One of the branches near me has an entire section devoted to World Languages that includes learning guides and novels.

Lessons

Would you like to learn how to play guitar from a real-life person and not just watch a YouTube video from a random guy named Brad in Ohio? Your library could offer free music lessons like mine does.

Makerspaces

Some libraries excel in youth outreach by providing makerspaces, which are areas in which kids can build, shape, create, and play. These areas might include things like robots, art supplies, puzzles, and more fun goodies.

Meeting Rooms

I've thrown a baby shower at my local library. A businesswoman in my area shared on social media recently how she always uses the library's meeting rooms for business meetings. Booking a space for an event or meeting can get pricey, but you solve that problem by using a free space at the library. Plus, many of the rooms are set up with outlets, a screen, and whiteboards.

Movies and Screenings

You can check out DVDs from the library, but yours also might offer Hoopla or Kanopy so you can stream movies at home. The Kansas City Public Library offers regular movie screenings of popular films in a small theater.

Museum Passes and Tickets to Local Events

I love free things. I also love museums and concerts and that libraries often offer free tickets to them. My library also offers passes to national parks and a children's science center, so check out what options are available in your area.

Periodicals

In my teens and early 20s, I loved magazines and subscribed to many. Lately, I found my interest in magazines returning, so I "subscribed" to several through Libby, the app my library uses for eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. I love getting the latest issue of The New Yorker or Vogue without spending a penny. Libraries also have you covered if you're a faithful newspaper reader.

Personalized Book Picks

Almost all the libraries I researched for this post offer some kind of personalized book selection service. A patron fills out a form and tells the library what they like to read, and then the library either emails them suggestions or places books on hold they think that patron will like. I've used this service several times and the staff always picks good books for me.

Podcasts

More and more libraries are recording their own podcasts, but many also provide the necessary equipment and recording space to those wanting to start a podcast. One of the libraries in my city was remodeled recently, and the new building includes a recording studio.

Printing

I'm always surprised by how expensive printing and copying can be. Those pages can add up quickly, but not at the library. Most libraries offer free or low-cost printing. You can also see if your library has a 3D printer.

Reading Challenges

Whether you're looking for a summer reading challenge for your kids or want to participate in one yourself, the library has your back. Visit your library's website to see what kinds of challenges (and prizes!) they offer.

Research Help

Libraries and research go together like dark chocolate and peanut butter. They make an elite combo. You probably have access to some extensive and incredibly costly research databases thanks to your library card. Navigating those databases can be overwhelming, but library staff love helping patrons with research. I can say that with confidence because I'm a library staffer who loves helping patrons with research. ProQuest makes me so happy.

Resources for Ex-Offenders

Libraries in Denver and Seattle are there for people who have been incarcerated. They have programs in place to help patrons find work and housing after experiencing imprisonment.

School Partnerships

Public libraries provide excellent support to homeschoolers, but they also make good partners with public or private schools. Whether they’re hosting a tour, delivering book talks, or granting students research cards, public libraries often provide learners with databases and downloadable books that their school libraries probably can't afford.

Small Business Support

There are children's librarians and reference librarians, but there are also librarians who specialize in business and working with entrepreneurs in their community. Whether you run a longtime business or are just getting started, your library might have resources that could help strengthen your company.

Social Media Presence

Some of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram and TikTok are library accounts. This Book Riot article has some good suggestions.

Social Services

More and more libraries are hiring social workers as part of their staff thanks to the growing needs of their community members. Libraries provide daytime shelter for unhoused patrons, but social workers can help connect those patrons to long-term shelters or permanent housing. Library staff or social workers might be trained on how to administer Narcan, the drug that reverses overdoses. Social workers can come alongside someone struggling with addiction and help guide them to treatment. Libraries provide a lot of media, but they can also point people toward showers, food, and clothing.

Staff Recommendations

Do you love those cards with staff recommendations at bookstores? Your library might have them, too! I try not to be nosy, but I am very nosy about what people like to read. I love a staff picks section.

Storytime

One of the library's most beloved offerings is storytime for children. I always loved eavesdropping on storytime when I was at work. Seeing the enthusiasm of the kids and the librarian always made me smile. Kids need access to books at a young age, and storytime makes reading and learning exciting, dynamic, and fun.

Tech Support

Libraries provide a lot of tech, like computers and printers, but they can also help patrons with their own tech. I've seen patrons come in after Christmas with their new Kindles, needing help downloading books. Library staff can help people navigate Libby or learn how to download audiobooks on their phones.

“Things”

Libraries aren't just about books anymore and haven't been for quite a while. Most libraries now offer a Library of Things patrons can borrow, which could include items such as:

sewing machines
cake pans
ties and jackets
instruments
games
life jackets
wireless hotspots
telescopes
cameras
DVD players
Instant Pots
iPads and Apple Pencils

Tutoring and Reading Assistance

Several libraries I researched offer in-person or online tutoring for students. Some also host a reading buddy program, where adults volunteer their time to read with children and help strengthen their literacy skills.

Veteran Support

I've talked about the support libraries give various groups, but during my research, I found that some libraries have specific support for veterans. Whether it's classes, help navigating healthcare, or community partnerships, libraries can assist veterans as they access the care and assistance they might need.

Volunteer Opportunities

Library volunteers can do all sorts of tasks, such as help with book sales, shelve materials, or work on a special project. If you're interested in working at a library someday, I highly encourage you to start volunteering. It's a great way to give back while getting your foot in the door.

Writing Workshops

After finishing my undergraduate studies, I briefly considered getting an MFA in creative writing, but then I remembered that I had no money. Anyway, you might not be able to get an MFA, but you can attend free writing workshops at your local library. Close enough!

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Your library might not offer everything I listed here, but I bet it offers more than you might realize. If you care about public libraries, use them! User statistics are incredibly important to retain funding and other resources.