As many of us know, finding “free” services in the US is very hard. We live in a capitalistic society in which profit is often the reason to offer community resources.
However, the following posts illustrate some resources free of charge for individuals that hold a public library card.
It is important to mention that you do not need to be a US citizen to hold a library card. Visit your public library and get your card ASAP.
1. Access to LinkedIn Learning:
LinkedIn Learning is a great online course platform with a bunch of useful courses of all kinds. From learning how to use an specific software (like SolidWorks or Fusion 360) to acquiring a Project Management Certification or Learning How to Invest As a Beginner. These courses are usually given by experts and some of them are sponsored by an University like Harvard or Rice, or by a company like Autodesk.
Of course, there are other online courses sites you can access to like Coursera, which have a variety of courses of different kinds. However, these sites are often paid (either through a membership or by buying the course + certification). With the LinkedIn learning public library access you have a handful of certifications you can get, but they are limited as opposed to paid sites like Coursera. BUT, LinkedIn Learning is already paid for by your state (and federal) taxes, so try it out first before you purchase a paid course. Believe me, as a bioengineer, LinkedIn learning courses saved my life.
2. Access to an Online Database
Finding reliable information out there from trusted sources and backed by scientific data is tough. Especially if you are not enrolled in a college program with a college library. Indeed, after I finished my undergrad as was going through some medical issues, it was incredibly hard for me to find scientific articles on the disease I was diagnosed with. I wanted to learn more about gastrointestinal disorders and how they work, but honestly, the best I could find using Google scholar and search engines were papers published 2 or 3 years before.
When using your library card, and after you log in to your library portal, you have access to a bunch of up-to-date papers, just like you would if you were still a college student.
In databases, you can look for popular databases like Gale Academic OneFile or any database your library recommends. Once you find one you like, click the link through your library website and sign in using your library card.
Once you are there, you can filter your search. I like to read Nature articles, since they are peer-reviewed and are usually from trustworthy organizations and academic institutions.
3. Free Language Classes
If you just moved to the US and you need to learn English (fast!), you can enroll in English classes at the library. There are also conversational English partnerships and some library offer other language classes like Portuguese, Chinese and Spanish.
So if you were thinking on learning a new language, this is your sign to get a library card.
Other places that offer English classes for free are Churches or Non-profit organizations.
4. Access to Makerspaces
This is something I actually learned about very recently. Public libraries are transforming from a traditional place where you could borrow physical books, articles or archives into a community learning hub in which events, classes and courses are given, and where the community can gather together to practice different sports (some libraries have Olympic swimming pools now, skate parks, walking trails, biking trails, etc.), celebrate community cultural events (like Dia de Muertos!), foster art and music (some libraries have a Theater or a big conference space in which they offer free symphony/orchestra concerts for the community).
So, as you can see, you also have access to all of these free events too! However, makerspaces are a new gadget added not long ago to most public libraries. A makerspace is a shared space with many different additive or subtracting manufacturing equipment that you can use free of charge: 3D printers (they have different brands available too – Bambu Labs are my fav), Cricut, Poster Printers, 3D scanners, Digital Embroidery, Laser Cutting, Designer PCs (Architecture ppl this is your place), 3D printers for kids, sound recording, musical instruments, and so much more. I would 100% recommend checking what equipment they have available in your library.
It is important to note that not all libraries have a makerspace. You may need to do some google search on where they have them available. In Houston, for example, you can look for HPL Tech Link locations. These are the only libraries in the city with such makerspaces.
Visit https://www.houstonlibrary.org/all-locations for more info on the TechLink hubs!
5. Access to Passport Services
You can get a first-time passport at most local libraries nowadays. It is fast, easy and they even take the passport picture there for you.
However, if you are renewing your passport, you can only do so through the pertinent government agency, online or by mail.
Bonus: Access to Plant Seeds Bank
Something I did not know existed was a seed bank. This is a free resource/service that some libraries have in which you can borrow or donate different plant seeds (usually native plants). As a plant mom, this is actually super exciting. Can’t wait to plant new seeds and grow some new plants (for free!).
