I thought a library card was for borrowing paper books, and I did not read paper books anymore, so I did not bother getting one for years. I was wrong about everything.

The modern library card is a key to a ridiculous amount of free stuff. Mine pays for itself every single week.

Free movies and shows

The big one is Kanopy and Hoopla, two apps that work with your library card. Kanopy streams indie films, documentaries, and some new releases. Hoopla does movies, TV, music, and audiobooks. Both are free with your card.

Kanopy gives you a set number of monthly credits, usually around 8 to 10. Hoopla lets you borrow a handful of items per month. For a casual viewer, that is plenty of free entertainment.

Free audiobooks and ebooks

The Libby app connects to your library’s ebook and audiobook collection. Thousands of titles, all free, all legal. You borrow like a physical book and they return themselves automatically, so no late fees ever.

I listen to audiobooks on my commute now. The selection includes bestsellers, and the wait times for popular books are usually a week or two.

Free music streaming

Many libraries give you access to Freegal, a music service that lets you download a few songs per week from a large catalog. No ads, no subscription, and you keep the downloads. It is not Spotify, but it is a free way to fill a playlist.

Museum and attraction passes

This one surprised me the most. Many library systems lend out museum passes. You reserve a pass, pick it up at the library, and get free admission for a family. I have used mine for a science museum and a local zoo, two outings that would have cost sixty dollars.

Check your library’s website for a museum pass program. Not every system has it, but a lot do, and people rarely know about it.

Free classes and workshops

Libraries run free classes: language lessons, computer basics, resume help, kids’ story times. Most are in person, some are online. I took a free spreadsheet class that would have cost fifty dollars at a community center.

Newspapers and magazines

Most library cards unlock digital access to newspapers and magazines through apps like PressReader or Libby’s magazine section. Full issues, current and back catalog, free. I read the weekend paper on my tablet now, instead of paying for a subscription.

How to start

If you do not have a card, apply online at your local library’s website. Many issue a digital card number instantly, good enough for Libby and Hoopla the same day. The physical card comes in the mail later.

My library card is the best subscription I never pay for. Movies, books, music, museums, and newspapers for the cost of a card I got in five minutes online.