Read for Free

Libraries are known for books, offering fiction and non-fiction hardbacks, paperbacks, and eBooks. The eBooks can be downloaded into nearly any format to fit your computer, eReader or other device. The downloaded books will expire at the end of their loan period so no returns necessary. Overdrive is one provider of download services to libraries.

Magazines and Newspapers for Free

Magazine titles from Reader's Digest to Vogue to Hot Rod, including back issues are available for loan. Local newspapers and the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times and others are available for reading in the library.

Free Periodical Searches

If you are a high school or college student, you will be required to cite sources, footnote your thesis, or find some obscure fact for a class. If you find you need an article that appeared in Time Magazine on global warming from 2004, the library will have it on a database. The only cost would be for print/copies. Here's a quick look: EBSCO Periodical Search.

Librarian Access 24/7

If you can't find the answers you need, librarians await your question. In New York City, they have Ask NYPL, (your local libraries will have different names for this feature), which gives 24/7 access to an online research librarian.

Internet and Wi-Fi

You can have free internet access and Wi-Fi, all you need is a library card. Be aware that most libraries utilize "censoring" programs for juvenile users, and parental consent may be required to use the Internet.
The average cost of internet service is between $20 and $45 per month as of 2014.

Learn a Foreign Language

If you're traveling abroad on business or vacation, then check out the free foreign language learning databases. Using a service from BYKI, patrons can choose to learn over 70 languages. Their interactive learning site offers individual learning, flash cards, and words of the day.

Job Preparation

Learning Express enables you to study for hundreds of tests, including civil service, military entrance exams and preparation tests for SAT/ACT, MSAT, LSAT and dozens of others. You will find practice tests at all levels. You can practice, save your test, see your results and try again all for free.

Find Your Family History

For family genealogists, libraries offer free access to search programs such asAncestry.com, and HeritageQuest.com. These databases usually require you to search in the library, but occasionally some libraries will allow you to search from home after logging in with your library card number. Some libraries also have research librarians and genealogists on staff to assist with your search.

Free Books for Parents

The library is a significant resource to parents. Where else could your children find a free summer program that encourages reading, allows them to take home armloads of books free and usually gives them prizes for encouragement? Throughout many summer programs, authors, wildlife experts and a myriad of others drop by bringing their special knowledge to share.

Free Auto Repair and other Databases

For those who don't like to read for recreation, there are practical free databases in auto and truck repair provided by ARRC, reference databases such a Kelly Blue Book, Antiques Weekly and Standard & Poor.

Other Free Services

Many libraries have a notary on staff (there may be a fee for notary services), offer tax forms, have dedicated internet computers to the IRS and Social Security sites, voter registration forms, test proctoring and fax services, and larger metropolitan libraries offer passport processing.