Technology is not making libraries obsolete, it's making them more necessary. If you're only of the 40% of American who don't have or use their library card, it's time to change that!

1. REASONS WHY
EVERYONE
SHOULD HAVE
A LIBRARY CARD7

2. Technology has not made libraries obsolete,
it has made them more necessary.

3. For the lifelong learner,
a library card
can be just as powerful as
a credit card.
Image by Perspecsys Photos

4. If you don’t have a library card yet, here’s a small
taste of what you’re missing out on.
Image by Sophie

5. 1Downloadable Content

6. You can still check out paperbound books…
or you can download them.
Image by El Taller del Bit

7. You can still check out paperbound books…
or you can download them.
Image by El Taller del Bit
Some libraries allow you to check out
e-books online and download them
to your own device. Others let you
check out devices pre-loaded with
books.

8. Libraries also go beyond the books.
You can use your library card to download
music, movies, magazines, and more
from your own home.

9. 2Online Databases

10. Libraries also subscribe to
online services to put you
behind the paywall and provide free
learning materials in a variety of subjects.

11. You can learn a language, research your
ancestry, get investment advice, and much,
much more through online databases offered
by your local library.*
Image by Daniel X. O’nell
*Services vary by library, stop by and discover for yourself!

12. 3Access to Tools & Technology

13. Public libraries lend everything from cake pans
to bike locks to iPads.
Image by Dave Parker

14. Other libraries offer on-site technology as
advanced as 3D printing labs.
Image by Max Lupo

15. 4Classes

16. Not one for self-guided learning?
Take a class!

17. Libraries are centers for learning,
providing everything from
foreign language classes,
resume-writing workshops,
test prep, drawing tutorials,
and photography classes.
Image by April Killingsworth

18. Libraries don’t just connect patrons to technology,
they teach them how to use it! From basic web
browsing to Excel to coding, more than 80% of
libraries also offer tech classes.

19. 5Free Passes

20. Many libraries have local museum passes
that you can check out and use for
free or discounted admission.
Image by paimei01

21. Libraries also offer free/discounted passes to other
attractions including zoos and concerts.

22. 6Join the Club

23. All is not quiet at the library. It’s also a great place
to find new friends and new hobbies.

24. You can join a book club or knitting club, or get
creative use of a Makerspace.

25. Or, you can bring you kids to a Lego™ club or
other children’s club while you take advantage of
other library resources.
Image by Frédéric BISSON

26. 7Librarians

27. It’s no secret that we love librarians.
We think you will too.

28. Librarians are always happy to recommend a
book, assist with research, help host a
community event, and more.
(All you have to do is ask!)

29. While you’re at it, ask your librarian about
Transparent Language Online
and start learning a new language!