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Abstract

hat are available for use by library patrons.To reserve or borrow passes, you’ll need your library card and be at least 18. Contact your library to learn how passes can be booked. Rules may vary, but my library requires passes to be picked up one day before your reserved date. Check with your library. Be warned some libraries may charge a late fee if the pass is not returned on time. My library charges $25.<figure id="c363"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*6RXgHvpZpVX_O_kYXpCKxg.png"><figcaption>Libraries offer a number of programs to help kids with their homework. Britannica Library screen grab</figcaption></figure>Homework helpLibraries may also provide homework help resources online for students of all ages. The resources include, but are not limited to, the Britannica Encyclopedia Online.Download an eBook or AudiobookDo you have a favorite book you like to listen to or read while on the go? Your library can help. Patrons can download an app called Libby to download books to a mobile device or visit overdrive.com to download a book to a personal computer. Patrons can borrow books for 21 days. The service is free as long as you have a library card. If you own a Kindle, download a book to that device, and you can read it at your leisure.Genealogical researchHave you ever wondered about your family’s past? There are multiple options to find long-lost relatives and learn if you’re related to someone famous — or infamous — but they come with a steep price.Ancestry.com charges$ 24.99 a month to research its US database. The cost to search worldwide is $39.99 a month. If you visit your library, you might find they have a subscription that allows patrons to research their family history for free. But that comes with a caveat. All research must be done at the library on its server. I suggest you bring a comfortable cushion (if needed) for the computer you’ll work at, a drink with a cap to avoid spillage, and perhaps a pair of earbuds to work in peace.What is available to patrons will vary at different libraries, but you can’t go wrong with watching a movie, renting a book, or learning a language at no cost.If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by.I accept tips, which go directly to <a href="https://www.diningforhunger.com">Dining for Hunger</a>, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.More stories from Bruce Coulter.<div id="686f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/summer-vacations-with-my-family-6dde8b146c80"> <div>

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FREE FUN

People Pay for Entertainment, but Libraries Are Free

Your library card is worth its weight in gold

**Why pay for entertainment when so much is free at your library?** Photo by Shiromani Kant on Unsplash

Many people have cut the cable cord only to find their wallets attached to streaming services for music, podcasts, books, and movies.

But a quick — or sot so quick — trip to your library can offer various entertainment options and more. Are libraries offering popular films or best-selling books? Yes, if you’re willing to wait.

I have no problem waiting to watch a film for free rather than renting it from Amazon or other streaming services. I debated buying or renting “Top Gun: Maverick” from Amazon. But I waited. A week later, I found the movie available on Paramount Plus. I’m paying $10 monthly for the service, primarily to watch football games.

But it’s also available at my library for free with my library card.

So, what else can you get for the price of a free library card?

You can reserve a book or movie, even learn a language without getting dressed. You can walk from your bed in crumpled pajamas with bedhead and gorilla breath, and no one will be the wiser. You can download audiobooks and music to entertain yourself on a long drive. Hell, if you’re not getting out of your car, you can make that trip in your pajamas, bedhead, and all. You may still want to shower and put your pants on before leaving the house.

By the way, replacing a lost card will set you back one big buck in Massachusetts.

Do you dream about traveling to another country but don’t speak the language?

My library offers a free subscription to Mango Languages. All I had to do was log in with my library card and create an account. The list of languages offered by Mango is lengthy. They include German, Korean, Farsi, and Hebrew, to name a few.

Not all libraries will offer Mango. Some use Rosetta Stone. Check with your library if you’re interested in learning a new language.

Visit a museum for free or get discounted passes.

Most, if not all, libraries provide museum passes patrons can reserve. Often, the passes are made available through a support group — in this case, the Friends of the Leominster Public Library provides passes to museums and other area attractions that are available for use by library patrons.

To reserve or borrow passes, you’ll need your library card and be at least 18. Contact your library to learn how passes can be booked. Rules may vary, but my library requires passes to be picked up one day before your reserved date. Check with your library. Be warned some libraries may charge a late fee if the pass is not returned on time. My library charges $25.

**Libraries offer a number of programs to help kids with their homework.** Britannica Library screen grab

Homework help

Libraries may also provide homework help resources online for students of all ages. The resources include, but are not limited to, the Britannica Encyclopedia Online.

Download an eBook or Audiobook

Do you have a favorite book you like to listen to or read while on the go? Your library can help. Patrons can download an app called Libby to download books to a mobile device or visit overdrive.com to download a book to a personal computer. Patrons can borrow books for 21 days. The service is free as long as you have a library card. If you own a Kindle, download a book to that device, and you can read it at your leisure.

Genealogical research

Have you ever wondered about your family’s past? There are multiple options to find long-lost relatives and learn if you’re related to someone famous — or infamous — but they come with a steep price.

Ancestry.com charges $24.99 a month to research its US database. The cost to search worldwide is $39.99 a month. If you visit your library, you might find they have a subscription that allows patrons to research their family history for free. But that comes with a caveat. All research must be done at the library on its server. I suggest you bring a comfortable cushion (if needed) for the computer you’ll work at, a drink with a cap to avoid spillage, and perhaps a pair of earbuds to work in peace.

What is available to patrons will vary at different libraries, but you can’t go wrong with watching a movie, renting a book, or learning a language at no cost.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by.

I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.