Do you and/or your children have a library card? September is the perfect time to sign up for one because this is National Library Card Sign-up Month!
As an avid reader myself, I wholeheartedly agree with Mark Twain that "the man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read." A library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Okay, but where's the FREE stuff?
1. FREE BOOKS!
Your local library is full of books on almost any subject you can name. Want to travel? The library has books on almost every place in the world. Want to start a new hobby? Yep, they have books to get you started. Want to lose weight, stop a bad habit, be healthier or adjust your attitude? They have a whole section of self help books to cure whatever you have. Are your teens bored? There is a YA section with books on subjects that will interest even the pickiest teen. And what about your younger kids? Well the problem won't be can they find a book... the problem will be how many can they take home at once!
2. FREE ADVICE!
Your library offers something you can’t find anywhere else -- a librarian! Librarians are valuable resources when it comes to finding the perfect book -- they can suggest a new release or a classic that perhaps you wouldn’t have thought of without their assistance. Utilize their expertise... it's FREE!
3. FREE AUDIOBOOKS!
Not only can you borrow books from your library, you can also download and stream free audiobooks through an app such as Hoopla. With a valid library card for your local branch or county library system, you start streaming a huge selection of audiobooks from their available library including new, best sellers. They offer ebooks to download to your computer, tablet or phone too!
4. FREE MAGAZINES!
Stop accumulating piles and piles of magazines! Borrow your favorite ones, copy articles and recipes you want to save, then return them to the library... problem solved!
5. FREE MOVIES!
You can borrow DVDs from your local branch and most have a great selection. But did you know you can also borrow, stream, and watch movies and videos through most library systems? Hoopla offers access to movies, music, and streaming video. Access it on a variety of platforms, including iPhone and iPad, Android, Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV .
6. FREE EVENTS AND CLASSES!
Libraries offer a wide range of events and classes open to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our local library's events included a lineup of free story times, magic shows, art classes for kids and adults, language classes, computer courses, cooking lessons, and more!
7. FREE PASSES TO PARKS, MUSEUMS & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS!
Local Atlanta area libraries offer FREE family passes to many places such as
- Alliance Theatre
- Atlanta History Center Library Pass
- Chattahoochee Nature Center
- Computer Museum of America
- Georgia Public Libraries Passport to Puppetry
- Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
- Go Fish Education Center
- Household Radon Detectors
- Macon Museum Pass
- Michael C. Carlos Museum
- Shakespeare Tavern Family Theatre Pass
- Southeastern Railway Museum Pass
- William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
- Zoo Atlanta
Libraries are amazing public places, and a library card can open up new worlds to your family. Plan a visit today!
