The Perks Hiding Behind Your Library Card: Free Software, Studios, and Gear You're Already Paying For
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Quick math: the average American household funds its public library through taxes whether they use it or not. Meanwhile, a LinkedIn Learning subscription runs about $40 a month, a single Adobe Creative Cloud plan costs $20-plus monthly, and a decent 3D printer starts around $250. If you're paying taxes and buying courses, you're possibly double-paying for the same education.
Time to fix that. Here's what's hiding behind that laminated card in your wallet, and how to claim it.
1. LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com) — Free With Your Card
This is the headline perk. Thousands of US libraries offer full LinkedIn Learning access — courses on graphic design, video editing, UX, photography, software, and business skills, taught by industry professionals.
How to find it: Go to your library's website and search "LinkedIn Learning" or "online resources" or "databases." Most log you in with your card number and PIN. If you don't see it listed, call or ask a librarian — access sometimes exists but isn't promoted well.
Start this weekend with: a foundational course in whatever you've been "meaning to learn" — Illustrator essentials, Premiere Pro basics, design fundamentals.
2. Adobe Creative Cloud and Software Lending
Some library systems lend out Adobe Creative Cloud licenses, offer design software on library computers, or participate in programs that provide free or discounted software access to cardholders. Availability varies a lot by state and county, but it's more common than people assume.
How to find it: Search your library's catalog for "Creative Cloud," "software," or "laptop lending." Urban systems — think big city library networks — are your best bet, but plenty of mid-size county systems have jumped on board.
Start this weekend with: a single-project goal. Open Illustrator for the first time and recreate a concert poster. Learning sticks when there's a deliverable.
3. Makerspaces, 3D Printers, and Recording Studios
This is the perk that surprises people most. Many libraries now operate full makerspaces: 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, podcast booths, and in some systems, full audio recording studios. Some are free; some charge a small materials fee (a few dollars for 3D printing filament, for example).
How to find it: Look for a "makerspace" or "digital lab" page on your library's site, or search "[your city] library makerspace." Many require a short safety orientation, which you can usually book online.
Start this weekend with: book the orientation. That's it. Getting in the door is the whole battle — most people never take this step.
4. Instrument and Equipment Lending
A growing number of libraries — inspired by programs that started lending instruments to kids — now circulate ukuleles, keyboards, guitars, and even recording gear and cameras. Some systems partner with local music shops to keep the inventory in playing condition.
How to find it: Search your catalog for "instrument" or "ukulele." If your library doesn't do it, check neighboring county systems — many extend cards to nearby residents for free or a small fee.
Start this weekend with: borrow the instrument you've been curious about for years. A week with a library ukulele tells you more about whether you love playing than a year of wanting one.
5. Creative Courses Beyond LinkedIn Learning
Depending on your system, you may also have access to platforms like Universal Class, Gale Courses, or Creativebug (craft and art instruction — knitting, drawing, watercolor, quilting). Some libraries also run free in-person workshops, writing groups, and artist talks that never make it onto event calendars people actually read.
How to find it: Browse the "e-learning" or "events" section of the website, and grab the physical or email newsletter. The good stuff is often buried.
6. The Librarian Advantage: A Free Research Assistant
Here's the most underrated resource: the people who work there. Librarians are professional finders-of-things. Ask them "what creative resources do we have that most people don't know about?" and you'll get a tour of your community's hidden learning infrastructure — archives for reference images, local history collections, interlibrary loan for out-of-print design books, connections to regional arts councils.
The Weekend Action Plan
- Find your library card or sign up online (many systems issue digital cards instantly).
- Log into LinkedIn Learning and bookmark one course.
- Search the site for "makerspace," "instrument," and "software."
- Put one orientation or workshop on your calendar.
- Ask a librarian what you missed.
You've been funding a creative education center this whole time. All that's left is walking in.
