We’re heading toward 2023. You have every piece of information you could ever want or need at your fingertips. Why would you want a library card? Well, there are many benefits to having a library card, but these top six reasons will have you applying immediately. It doesn’t matter if you’re young, old, a parent, a teacher or a student—everyone can benefit by having a library card and using it regularly. What you may not realize is libraries are no longer stodgy old buildings stacked with old dusty smelling books of the past. Modern libraries are community centers and its staff takes pride in the multitude of services offered to its patron library card holders.
Let’s discuss six library card benefits that will positively excite you about using Highland Public Library’s services.
COST SAVINGS
Save time and money by using your library card benefits. Why pay for books, magazines and multimedia that are going to sit on a shelf or get tossed into a donation or recycle bin when you’re through with them? All library resources are FREE of charge with your library card. Try the Library Savings Calculator to see how much you will save by using the library for a year as opposed to buying from Amazon.com.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS & STREAMING SERVICES
Downloading ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming movies at home to your favorite digital device, including your television is easier than you think. Most library streaming services have apps that manage ebook and audiobooks checkouts like OverDrive’s Libby. For movie streaming you can use Kanopy or Hoopla and watch on your Roku, AppleTV, Chromecast or Amazon FireTV. The library even has computer classes to teach you how to get the most out of these apps.
LEARN A LANGUAGE
Spanish is America’s second most popular language. The library provides language classes in 70+ foreign languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Irish and more) and 20+ English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Learn on your own time by using the Mango App, which provides a fast and user-friendly way to become fluent in a second language.
TAKE AN ONLINE CLASS
Through the library’s website, Highland Public Library patrons have access to lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas. More than 500 courses are available FREE with your library card, and all are designed and led by professional instructors. Universal Class offers many business and personal development classes.
JOB SEARCH AND TRAINING
The Ulster County Office of Employment & Training is partnering with Coursera to offer Ulster County residents FREE online learning courses. Get resume help and interview tips online with JobNow using your library card.
Apply for your Highland Public Library library card today and start benefiting from the rewards. Connect, learn and grow at your local library.