Why You Should be Using Your Local Public Library

As a college student, you may think that campus libraries have everything you could ever need. However, I believe that public libraries are an extremely underutilized resource for students and non-students alike. Public libraries are literally the backbone of society, providing endless knowledge and opportunities to everyone who needs or wants them. 

In Lawrence, all KU students are eligible for a free public library card. If you don’t already have one, here is why you should open a public library card today! 

Books, Music and Movies

Libraries have more than just physical books! On Libby, you can access thousands of Audiobooks and eBooks directly from your library account. This is an amazing way to save money if you’re an avid reader and it offers an easier way to access books if you don’t have the time or resources to go to the library. 

The library also offers CDs and DVDs for checkout. Additionally, through the Lawrence Public Library, you have access to Kanopy, a streaming service with over 30,000 movies and TV shows. Kanopy has lots of recent and popular titles, all for free with a library card!

Activities

Libraries offer free or discounted events and activities for patrons, such as trivia nights, crafting events, yoga classes, nature walks, book clubs, book signings, support groups and much more! You can also often get passes to local attractions like museums and zoos with your library card. 

Additionally, they offer kits for many hobbies or activities. At the Lawrence Public Library, you can check out anything from a bird-watching kit to a Type II Diabetes informational kit. In the public library in my hometown, they often have baking kits that include pans, utensils and recipes for specific dishes. 

Games and Technology

Even outside of books, music, and movies, the library provides access to more abstract media. The Lawrence Public Library has a vast array of board games, card games, and video games. As someone who loves playing games, this is such an amazing way to try new things and have fun with your friends without spending any money. 

You also have access to tech like microphones, cameras, hard drives and computers. Whether you need equipment for class assignments or if you want to start a podcast or make a documentary, the library is the place to go! 

Community Support

With third spaces dwindling, the library is one of the last places you can go to be a part of your community without being expected to be a consumer. By providing a safe place with free access to the internet, educational resources, and public services, libraries give much-needed support to lesser privileged people in your community. 

When you open a library card and use library resources, you are actively supporting your community and securing essential funding for your local library.  

Open a Lawrence Public Library card here. 

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