For me, summer always feels like the perfect time to adventure and try something new. If you’re looking for a way to get out of the house this summer but don’t want to break the bank, it’s time to take a trip to your local library. There are few places you can visit without spending any money. Or where you can spend hours without feeling like you’re overstaying your welcome. Libraries are one of the exceptions!

“There are few places you can visit without spending any money... Libraries are one of the exceptions!”

Unleash your creativity

Creativity can be an overlooked outlet in our lives. Luckily, your library is ready to help you get the creative juices flowing. If you’re feeling crafty, many libraries offer craft rooms with space to create and equipment like Cricut Makers, vinyl presses, and sewing machines. Library programming also includes a wide variety of art classes.

When my husband and I first moved to Cleveland, we attended a pressed flower craft class at the Cleveland Public Library (OH). We got a chance to unlock our creativity and create a fun piece of art, all while meeting other people in our community. Certain libraries like Avon Lake Public Library (OH) even offer musical instruments you can check out. Before you start rocking out, make sure you check the Libby app for digital sheet music!

Museum and park passes

Summer is the perfect time to explore museums and parks, but passes can get costly. Always check with your local library to see if they have any community passes available. At the Las Vegas-Clark County Library (NV), you can rent passes to DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Nevada State Parks, Springs Preserve, and the Neon Museum. Patrons of the Seattle Public Library (WA) can rent out a Discover Pass for two weeks with their library cards. The Discover Pass gives patrons free access to millions of acres of state parks and recreational areas in Washington.

Explore the great outdoors

Summer means spending plenty of time outside. Through the Timberland Regional Library (WA), patrons can walk a trail while reading a picture book with StoryTrails. They can also rent outdoor gear such as a Check Out Washington Kit, a Birding Backpack, an Explore Your Forest Backpack, and fishing gear such as rods, reels, and bait. At the Avon Lake Public Library, you can rent bicycles for a picture-perfect ride along Lake Erie.

Escape the weather

As temperatures heat up, it’s always good to have a place to cool down. Whether you want to stroll the shelves, or just need a cool place to sit while you listen to the latest audiobook, libraries are a great place to get out of the summer sun. If you work from home but don’t have air conditioning, libraries are a wonderful place to spend your workdays. Less distractions than your local coffee shop, and no expectations to buy an overpriced latte every hour! It's also a great way to spend a rainy day with kids. I still remember the rainy summer day when my mom took my sisters and me to the library to get our first library cards.

Spruce up your space

Maintaining a home is not a cheap task. Thankfully, keeping up with your home is made easier and more affordable with Tool Libraries! At the Kenton County Public Library (KY), you can rent over 120 tools with just your library card including hedge trimmers, drills, bit sets, leaf blowers, rakes, and lawn mowers. If your summer involves moving, you can even rent a moving kit that includes furniture movers, a forearm forklift, ratchet tie-downs, and ratchet straps.

Learn a new skill

Whether you want to beef up your resume or find a new hobby, libraries offer a plethora of free classes for patrons. No matter your interest — chess, sign language, origami, gardening — there’s something for everyone. Thinking of pursuing a new career? Many libraries offer classes for Microsoft software like Word and Excel or Adobe software like Photoshop and Illustrator. Your library card might even get you access to LinkedIn Learning or Rosetta Stone. Check out your library’s event calendar and digital courses to see what they offer.

Start a podcast

If you listen to podcasts and find yourself thinking “I could totally do this,” it’s your time to shine. By recording the next big podcast at your local library, you can get professional quality without breaking the bank. Buying all the necessary equipment yourself could cost a small fortune and renting space at a privately owned podcast studio can cost up to $200 an hour. Whereas libraries like the Cuyahoga County Public Library (OH) offer completely free recording studios with all the equipment you need to get started. Don’t worry, the podcast studios are soundproof so you won’t disturb the other patrons, and no one will hear your masterpiece until you’re ready to share it!

Events for everyone

If you’re looking for something fun to do, libraries host events for every interest. There are events you might expect a library to host — story times, author visits, book discussions — but there are also opportunities to explore new technology, play board games, donate blood, or attend presentations from local experts. I’m always amazed by my local library’s lineup of events for children. The Cuyahoga County Public Library hosts music and movement classes, baby and me story times, and opportunities to read to service animals. They even host Summer Lunches where kids ages 18 and under can get a free lunch provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Reading programs for all

This list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the quintessential summer library program — reading challenges! Summer reading challenges are a great way to incentivize kids to read and help them beat the summer slide. Reading challenges offer kids fun prizes like stickers, coupons and gift certificates, or tickets to local sporting events. Make sure you check out our guide to summer reading here.

If you feel nostalgic for summer reading challenges like I do, I have great news! Certain libraries have introduced summer reading challenges for adults. The Boston Public Library (MA) has Summer Reading Bingo and the Indianapolis Public Library (IN) offers adult reading and activity challenges. The Tulsa City-County Library (OK) Adult Summer Reading Program even offers the chance to win grand prizes like a Kindle Fire or Apple Airpods — perfect for enjoying your ebooks and audiobooks on Libby! If your library doesn’t offer an adult program, you can always reach out to your local librarian to suggest one.

There’s so much to discover at the library this summer. To find out what your local branch offers, stop in & discover something new. If you haven’t visited in awhile — now’s the time to check it out!

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