5 Subscriptions You May Be Able to Get Using Your Library Card

You may already be using your library card to check out books. But many libraries offer much more than books to their communities, and you could save money by utilizing the free resources that your public library provides. 

For example, did you know you can use your library card to access subscriptions at no cost? While not every library has the same ones available, many offer free subscription access to its patrons. By saving money on subscription costs, you can stash more money in your savings account. I'll outline some subscriptions that may be available at a library near you. 

1. Ancestry 

Before you take your credit card out of your wallet to pay for an Ancestry subscription, check to see if your local public library offers access for free. Ancestry has a library edition, and many libraries provide free access to patrons. If your library offers this, you can search census data and vital records to research your genealogy and learn more about your family's origins and history. You can login and research from your home computer or local library. 

2. Mango

You can learn a new language without touching your bank account. Many libraries offer free access to Mango, a language-learning app. The app has over 70 world language courses. The courses are interactive, and you can work at your own pace. Check to see if your library offers this subscription so you can take your language skills further. 

3. The New York Times 

The New York Times is yet another subscription that may be available if you have a library card in your wallet. If you like to keep up with the news, it's worthwhile to see if your library provides free digital access to The New York Times. If available through your library system, you'll get a digital access code you can use to login wherever you are. 

4. Kanopy

Do you enjoy watching movies but don't love the price the popular streaming services charge for access? You may want to ask your librarian if Kanopy is available. Kanop is a streaming service made available to libraries and universities, and with a library card, you can watch thousands of independent and documentary movies without spending a dime. This could be an excellent addition to your rotation of streaming apps. 

5. Consumer Reports 

Consumer Reports is an excellent resource to read product reviews and learn more about products before you buy them. However, it's a paid service. The annual cost for digital access is $39. But you may be able to access Consumer Reports for free through your public library system. Before you spend money on a subscription, check to see if your library offers this. 

Get more out of your library card 

If you have a library card, ensure you're using it well. Most libraries provide much more than books; you don't want to miss out on the many free resources available. We've written about how to use your library card to rent tools and other items for free, and now you know more about some subscriptions you may have access to with your card. 

Taking advantage of free resources through your library card can help you keep more money in your checking account. Spending less money on subscription fees and using other resources that your library provides can allow you to prioritize your personal finance goals.