Save Money by Using the Library
One of the most asked questions we get is, "How much is a library card?" A library card is completely free for city of Milwaukee residents, which means that the things we offer are free, too. The library has so many resources, sometimes it's hard to keep track of everything that's available to you for free. The library allows you to experiment without financial risk. You can read a book before purchasing, try new authors and recipes without risking a dime, or test out a new hobby before investing in supplies.
Here is a quick overview of some popular, surefire ways to save money by taking advantage of what the library has to offer.
For All
Free Wi-Fi & Hotspots – Free internet access from the library can save households $50-$100 per month. For a family paying $75/month for home internet, that’s a significant savings of $900 per year. Check out mobile hotspot portable internet devices and Chromebook computing devices from the library or use library computers with free internet access.
Adult Interest
Free Media - In addition to books, CDs, and DVDs, unsubscribe from expensive subscriptions and enjoy Kanopy for movies, Libby for ebooks and audiobooks, PressReader for national news, and access the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on NewsBank. Replacing even two or three paid subscriptions or services with library resources saves hundreds of dollars per year.
Help with Hobbies – Visit seed libraries at East, Tippecanoe and Zablocki branches, and check out birding and hiking kits through the CountyCat catalog. Check out hobby and craft magazines available at all libraries through Overdrive Magazines.
Health & Wellness – Check out free blood pressure monitors and discover a wide range of health and wellness programming.
Small Business Help and Financial Literacy – Business and financial programs are available at the library. Many programs directly support financial literacy and practical money management. You can save $280/year with a digital subscription to Milwaukee Business Journal, and attend free entrepreneurial classes to get your business started.
Career and Job Help – Many libraries offer regular free drop-in resume help classes. Peterson’s Career & Test Prep offers free test software to help your job search or advance your career.
Online Classes - Chances are if you've ever wanted to pick up a new skill, we host an online class for it at the library. Want to learn sign language? Become proficient at Excel? Find the online class you need here at the library through Udemy Business, available to you with a library card.
Want to improve your English? Check out our virtual classes hosted by the library itself at mpl.org/esl.
Using our Printers - Rather than purchasing and servicing a home printer, along with buying ink and paper - pay per printed page at the library. To learn more, visit mpl.org/print.
Creative Tools (Makerspaces) - All Makerspace equipment and supplies are free to use and enjoy. Save hundreds on subscription fees by using Adobe Creative Cloud for Photoshop, film editing, and graphic design. Save on equipment fees by using our Midi keyboards, mics, and other recording equipment, as well as cameras and green screens. Take a professional headshot with our cameras and backdrop options. To learn more visit mpl.org/makerspace.
Events and Programs - Looking for an activity to do with a friend that won't be a $200 outing? We host big events along with recreational activities like craft programs, book clubs, author events, and more. Visit our calendar at mpl.org/calendar to find the perfect program for you. Many events and programs offer light refreshments and snacks.
Third Space - Stepping outside your house often comes at a cost. Almost anywhere you go, you have to pay to be there. You are more than welcome to read, work, and study at the library for as long as you like during open hours without having to pay for it and you never have to justify being there for extended periods of time. You can even reserve a room if you need a designated space for things like meetings, studying, or community organizing.
Kids and Families
Raising a Reader - It is recommended that young children (ages 0-5) are read to on a daily basis. Buying books can be a great investment but it is also costly. Let the library help you meet your reading goals for your child by checking out stacks of books at a time at no cost. Reading to your child helps develop vocabulary and language skills, builds creativity and curiosity, hones concentration and attention span, fosters empathy and emotional intelligence, and sets them up for success in school. You can find their favorites at the library and buy the ones they really like.
Keeping Them Engaged - Many programs that are offered for kids come with a high cost and a long wait list. Library programs are free for all who attend and typically don't require registration. Kids can enjoy quality programming at the library where they can have fun, learn new things, and connect with other kids who share their interests. You can visit our online calendar and filter by age.
Safe Places to Be a Kid - Responsible children ages 8 and up are welcome at the library without a chaperone. Many locations offer not only programming but high interest materials to keep the kids occupied when their grown-ups are busy doing grown up things. Libraries have designated areas for children and teens, as well as responsible staff who walk through frequently.
Museum and Attraction Passes – Check out a variety of free admission passes to area museums, parks, and attractions.
Homework Help and Tutoring - Libraries offer resources to connect children with online support for homework help and tutoring. Brainfuse allows students to upload assignments and get help from real tutors. Visit Brainfuse to get started with your library card.
These are just a few ways to take advantage of the resources available to everyone at the library for free. To learn more about the library and its services, visit us in person or online at mpl.org.