14 Free Things You Can Get at the Library (Save Money Every Month!)
If you haven’t visited your local library in a while, you might be surprised at just how much it has to offer—completely free.
Libraries have evolved far beyond just books on shelves and that’s why we have created this list of library freebies.
Today, libraries are vibrant community hubs packed with resources, entertainment, and services that can save you hundreds (even thousands!) of dollars each year.
Whether you’re a busy mom looking for free activities for your kids, a student trying to stretch your budget, or just someone who loves discovering new things, your library is one of the best-kept secrets out there.
From digital downloads to hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone—and it’s all included with your library card.
The Best Free Stuff At Your Local Library
I love the library.
We go there probably 3 or 4 times every week and always have books on hold waiting for me and tons of books checked out.
My kids love browsing and choosing a book every time we go, the love of reading starts young!
Did you know that the library has more than books?
Since discovering all the fantastic things available, I’ve saved so much money and been able to enjoy so many new things with my family.
My Favorite Library Freebies
Books (Of Course!)
Let’s start with the obvious—but still amazing—freebie. You can borrow:
- Bestselling novels
- Children’s books
- Cookbooks
- Magazines and graphic novels
Many libraries also offer eBooks and audiobooks you can download straight to your phone.
Internet
Need to print something or get online? Libraries offer:
- Public computers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Printing and scanning (often with a small free allowance)
Perfect if you’re working from home or don’t have reliable internet access.
If your internet is down or you want a quiet place to work – head to the library and save yourself the $5 you would have spent at the local coffee shop!
Audiobooks & eBooks Apps
Most libraries partner with apps like:
- Libby
- Hoopla
These let you borrow digital content anytime, anywhere—perfect for busy moms, commuters, or late-night readers
Kids Activities And Storytimes
Libraries are a goldmine for parents! You’ll often find:
- Baby and toddler storytime
- Craft sessions
- STEM activities
- Summer reading programs
These are fun, social, and totally free ways to keep kids entertained.
My local library has story times, craft afternoons, pajama movie nights and special events such as lego hour, STEM days and so much more.
Magazines
My library has issues of almost every magazine at the newsstand.
You can place a hold as soon as a new issue comes out and I often get it before the next issue is even released! It’s amazing.
This tip has truly made a difference to my finances as before there were 5-6 magazines that I just had read each month.
Movies, TV Shows & Music
Skip the streaming subscriptions—libraries often provide:
- DVDs and Blu-rays
- Free streaming through library apps
It’s a great way to enjoy family movie nights without spending a dime.
Now that I have a toddler, DVDs from the library are a life saver, we have Netflix and Disney Plus but for things like the movies and seasonal items, you can’t beat the library.
If I find we borrow the same thing a few times, I do usually buy it but 2 year olds change their obsessions so quickly that at least I can “try before I buy” this way.
CDs
Just like DVDs, these allow me to satisfy the toddler whims without spending a ton of money on iTunes every month.
I like to get out Christmas albums during the holidays and this week we have been enjoying the Frozen soundtrack in the car on repeat. “Let it go…….”
Tablets and e-readers
My local library has various e-readers and tablets on loan. It’s amazing.
I borrowed an iPad for a few weeks in order to see how I liked it before deciding to buy one.
Of course, you want to treat these electronics with the utmost care because the fines for damages are huge but it’s a great program if your local library offers it.
You can also borrow books for e-readers and kindles now at libraries which also saves a ton of money.
“Library of Things”
Many libraries now lend out more than just books! Depending on your location, you might find:
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Kitchen gadgets
- Musical instruments
- Tools and DIY kits
- Seeds for spring planting
It’s a great way to try before you buy.
Free Classes & Workshops
From personal growth to practical skills, libraries host:
- Resume and job search workshops
- Language classes
- Craft and DIY sessions
- Tech tutorials
These are especially helpful if you’re looking to learn something new without paying for a course.
Free Museum & Attraction Passes
Some libraries offer passes to local attractions like:
- Museums
- Zoos
- Art galleries
You can borrow a pass and enjoy a full day out—for free!
Kill- a-Watt Monitors
These devices are so useful! They allow you to measure how much electricity is used by appliances or other devices in your home or office. Simply plug the Kill-a-Watt into an electrical outlet, and then plug your device into the Kill-a-Watt. By tracking which devices are consuming power unnecessarily, you can save hundreds of dollars a year in power bills and help the environment at the same time.
If your library doesn’t have them and you want to try them anyway you can get them at this link: P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
Toys, Learning Kits & Educational Resources
For families, this is a huge win. Libraries often have:
- Early learning kits
- Educational toys
- Homeschool resources
It’s like having a rotating supply of new activities without the clutter or cost.
This month I have the winter one which includes 3 books, 4 puppets, a storyboard with felt characters, coloring pages, a wooden puzzle, stencils and a booklet with fun craft ideas.
Video Games
Yes, really! Many libraries now lend:
- Video games for consoles
- Family-friendly titles
A great free alternative to buying new games.
Your local library is so much more than a place to borrow books—it’s a community hub full of incredible free resources that can make life easier, more fun, and more affordable. The best part?
All it takes is a free library card to unlock it all.
If you haven’t explored your library lately, now is the perfect time—you might just discover your new favorite (free!) place.
