Make the most of your library card

With college costs going to the roof, today’s most prominent loan provider is the school loan business. Education is costly. However, most companies today seem to be looking for people with higher education, but higher education leaves us with school loans that eat away at the extra money we are fighting to make. It’s a cycle that leaves the average person at a loss.

Being a homeschooling mom for many years, I understand how expensive schooling can be. So, how do we get ahead with so many roadblocks?

Suppose you’re seeking more ways to continue your education without completely depleting your bank accounts, this post should be of great interest to you, but first, I have a question.

Do you own a Library card?

Assuming the answer is a humongous YES! Good for you. If the answer is no, then you want to get one because everything I’m going to say here today has to do with you holding a free, I did say free, library card.

I am a reader, and I’m always learning something new. If you are like me, you, too, know the value of a library card. But if you are still wondering why you should have one. Keep reading.

You can do much with a library card, such as access to free internet, computers, DVDs, CDs, magazines, audiobooks, video games, and digital downloads. There’s public programming or databases and online resources. There’s more; most public libraries have a general scanner that you can use for free, printers, room for a meeting or an interview, and free educational classes on many topics. I’m sure you’ve got the point. Now you might even be able to borrow a laptop from some libraries, music instruments, and more. So, go ahead and get back to learning without the high tuition cost.

There is nothing to lose by having a library card.

I promised to give you some ways to continue your education using the library card, so let’s get to that. I hope you didn’t run out of coffee on me. Truthfully, I think that’s the only thing missing at the library, and when we get a Starbucks, there won’t be a need for Barnes and Nobles. Just kidding, or not.

Five ways to continue your education with just your FREE library card!

Disclaimer: These are some of the many ways I have used my library card; please check with your public library to see if they carry these same services.

Great!

1. Lynda.com, now referred to as LinkedIn learning: 

I have used Lynda to improve my photography, excel, digital marketing, business courses, videography, and much more. I have also used Lynda for music lessons for my daughter. There’s so much you can do with this site; it’s unbelievable. I first heard of Lynda while I was in college, but now I get another chance to use this vast database of gold for free with my library card. I have learned photography on LinkedIn; my husband has taken many courses, has many certificates, and increased his income.

2. Universal Class: I stumbled upon this one a few months ago while browsing the library site. My daughter just started her babysitting class and will earn a certificate. The Universal Class has courses for almost anything to learn; It’s something I would have to pay for if I had to. Need something fun for your kids this summer? Have them take babysitting and baking classes on Universal Class, which comes with a certification.

3. Rosetta Stone: 

Suppose you want to learn a second language. Here’s your chance, Rosetta Stone is provided to you for free at some of our local libraries.

4. Brainfuse: 

Live tutoring for those who are looking for it

5. Last but not least, Hoopla and Overdrive:

Use hoopla and overdrive at your local library for all your eBooks needs and educational TV shows for your kids. I love that one the most. I used to pay a membership fee to read and get my eBooks from Audible, but not anymore. Audiobooks are perfect for when you’re on the go, and now you can borrow them for free, but this is even better; you don’t have to drive for them; you can do it at the leisure of your own home.

Some libraries have software – such as Adobe Creative Cloud, for free! Access Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Acrobat Pro.

Imagine having unlimited resources at your fingertip for free? Well, you do with your library card. Just call the closes library to you or walk in. Did I mention they have tons of people waiting to help you out? By the way, these are just a few of the many tools your local libraries provide. Additionally, I have practiced yoga, taken meditation sessions, learned about college grants for my kids, and even took Spanish classes at the library.

Try it for yourself and share this post with a friend.  Check out our recent post on ways to save more money. Read more here!