So many free goodies from the library!

I grew up never going to the library, but I have a mother-in-law who works at one, and a whole new world has been opened to me! Did you realize that our local libraries offer all these things for free: (I had no idea!)


Books - OK, I knew about this one but I didn't know:

• Within Illinois a library card from one public library can be used at any other Illinois library. All you have to do is register your card with the new library once and you're good to go for at least a year! (You'll have to renew this registration just like you'd have to renew your library card at your local library)
• Cookbooks are a great resource to get from the library. Nobody has room for loads of cookbooks on their shelves, so make copies of recipes you've tried and like from library cookbooks and keep them in a binder or file folder. No sense holding onto so many recipes you will never use!
• If you're looking for a book that your library doesn't have, you may be able to request that your library purchase it. Check with your library staff to find out more.

Movies - most local libraries have a collection of movies (both VHS and DVD, usually) that you can check out for up to a week. They won't have brand-new just-released movies, but they do have newer ones and TV series! If your library doesn't have a great selection you can try either of these options:

• Inquire about your library's request policy. The library my mother-in-law works at will purchase materials to add to the library when a card-holding patron specifically requests an item be added to the library's collection.
• Check out other libraries in your area, register your card there, and check out their movies! (I know Schaumburg's library has a great selection!)

Music - please don't copy it though! Personally, I avoid this one because I know I'd be tempted to pop that CD into my computer and--bam! It's suddenly part of my iTunes library. But if you have the self-control this is a nice way of broadening your musical horizons.

Puzzles and Activities for kids. The kid's section of most libraries have bags you can checkout and bring home with all kinds of fun stuff inside.

Play Area for Children - Libraries are doing a great job at making themselves fun places for kids to be. Depending on the library, in the juvenile section you'll find anything from puzzles, train sets and toys, to playhouses and elaborate reading nooks. In the west suburbs, the Elgin library in downtown Elgin is the best for this!

Free Museum Admissions! You can even "check out" a free admission pass to local (including Chicago) museums, gardens, and zoos. See which libraries and museums are part of this Museum Adventure Pass Program here. 

Classes & Programs - check your library's calendar for upcoming events. My local library has one-time activities for children as young as 6 months (parent accompaniment require for that age!), as well as book clubs and instructional classes for adults.