Living in the city can come at a great cost! So why not take it up for all the free things you can do? Between wandering through idllyic parks, visiting the majestic Lincoln Park Conservatory, or entering a museum for free, there is a plethora of ways to explore the city without spending a time. However, there is one item that gets you even better access to the city—a Chicago Public Library Card.
Getting a library card is easy—and it’s free! All you need is a current, valid ID with name, photo, and Chicago address. Here are the best free things you can do with a Chicago Public Library card.
1. Access to free audiobooks to e-books
This shouldn’t come as a surprise that Chicago Public Library Card, you can get free books. However, as people move away from hard-cover books in favor of a Kindle, Fire Tablet, etc., you might wonder if you’ll still have access to check-out books.
The library has free audiobooks that can be just as easily downloaded through apps and on the CPL website. Simply download the app or log on to Overdrive, Libby. You’ll get free e-books and audiobooks with your Chicago Public Library card. There might be a waitlist—but hey, free is free.
2. Free entry to almost every Chicago museum
If you have a Chicago Public Library Card, you should never be paying for admission to a museum again. Instead of waiting for each museum to host a free day, you can get free tickets for museums like the Art Institute on whatever day you please.
If you want free tickets, you can reserve a pass for a specific date online. Attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago History Museum, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
3. Learn a new language
With a Chicago Public Library Card, you’ll get free access to Mango Languages! Want to learn Mandarin? Do it. How about improving your Spanish? Now, you can do so with a Chicago Public Library Card. With Mangos, you can learn any language you please, with over 70 languages available.
4. Stream free movies and TVs
Is your monthly streaming service taking up the bulk of your expenses? With a Chicago Libary Card, you can say goodbye to your monthly credit card statement from Netflix, Hulu, Max, etc., and say hello to a zero-cost streaming service with Hoopla.
Hoopla is a streaming service with movies and TV, and it has auteur classics, indie films, and foreign films. On Hoopla, click on “Browse” and select movies or TV, search for what you want, and borrow or place a hold. It’s the perfect way to still stream your favorites without spending the change.
5. Full access to the Oxford English Dictionary
Are you stuck on a word or want more context in a sentence? Your Chicago Public Library Card will grant you remote access to the Oxford English Dictionary, which means you can access the Oxford English Dictionary online for free anywhere you have internet access.
6. Entry to national archives
Whether you need to do in-depth research or are just curious about history, you’ll have free access to The Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times, along with a wide varity of other local and national newspapers. This includes the NYT and Wall Street Journal, with articles dating back to the 1980s. Websites such as Jstor and Ebsco have extensive scholarly journals and magazines.
7. Sample CDs and vinyl
A vinyl and CD can be pretty expensive. And we have a way to save costs on your favorite music—you’ll still get the crackle and soothe of your favorite artists, but with a Chicago Public Library Card, you get to listen for free.
8. Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
Yes, wherever you go—you get free hotspots at the Chicago library with your Chicago Public Library Card!
9. Create In The Maker Lab
If you need a sewing machine, knitting machine, a 3D printer, laser cutters, design softer… all the things that usually cost a lot of money. Well, you’re lucky because your library card gives you free access to Harold Washington Library Center.
On the third floor is the Maker Lab— a public space that offers introductory workshops and an open shop for personal projects—where you’ll have access to all the aforementioned products.
10. Music practice rooms
You’ll have access to the chamber rehearsal room containing a baby grand piano, music stands, chairs, and a rehearsal area for small acoustic or vocal music ensembles of from 3 to 10 people. There are six more practice rooms with pianos, and each room contains an upright piano, music stand, and coat rack. The purpose of these rooms is to allow library patrons to practice or perform music.