It’s the most wonderful time of year—and the most expensive. From budget-busting gift lists to pricey travel costs and splurges on festive décor, all of this joy comes with a price tag. And if you’re like me, this usually results in lots of “no’s” in the New Year—no coffee, no travel, no eating out, no extras. But you can turn those “no no no’s” to "ho ho ho’s" this season with a few merry money-saving hacks from your local public library.

Check out your library for these festive freebies in December—and all year long!

1. Stream a holiday movie on Kanopy.

Whip up some hot cocoa with your popcorn and stream wintery romance, yuletide classics, or heartwarming hilarity from any device in your house on Kanopy.

Kids home on winter break can stay busy browsing Blippi, Caillou, and more on Kanopy Kids. Or you can make it a movie night under the glow of Christmas lights with family-friendly movies like Christmas with the Kranks starring Tim Allen or The Man Who Invented Christmas about the magical journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge and other classic characters from A Christmas Carol.

If you’re looking for more scary than merry, there’s also a collection of holiday horror. Truly, there’s something for every cinematic taste—plus, no streaming fees and ad-free. All you need is your library card.

❄️Browse Kanopy’s holiday collection
📺 Learn how to get started on Kanopy

2. Check out a cookbook or craft book for festive DIY.

Looking up crafts or recipes online is quick, but sometimes I’m bombarded with so many ads, my phone freezes up or I can’t find the actual instructions through all the pop-ups.

The library has lots of digital books for DIY decor and recipes to try from a new cookbook without any of the annoying ads or pop-ups.

I love sampling the projects or recipes in books first through my library to decide if it’s something I want to buy and keep in my collection.

3. Attend a gift-making workshop.

Does Grandma need another mug? Maybe. But I bet she’d love a gift made from the heart even more. Many libraries offer craft or gift-making workshops where kids can unleash their creativity, enjoy an activity while school’s out, and practice meaningful gift-giving. Plus, parents don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on art supplies. WIN.

Check your library’s schedule of events for offerings.

4. Listen to an audiobook while you bake or wrap.

Listen while you cook. Maximize your merrymaking with an audiobook on the Libby app.

You’ve got gifts to wrap, turkeys to baste, and cookies to decorate, so entertain yourself with an uplifting story while you check off all your to-do’s.

You can choose from tons of trending titles and bestsellers so you’ll be first to chime in at the party when someone asks: “Read anything good lately?”

5. Visit your library over holiday break for storytime, crafts, or movie screenings.

By day two of winter break from school, my house looks like one giant pillow fort and there are Goldfish crackers... everywhere.

To get kids out of the house, the library play area is the spot to go for fun toys and games and new friends to meet. We also love bundling up and checking out the Story Walk around the library for some fresh air. Kid-friendly programs like storytime, LEGO building, craft workshops (see #3!), or movies are always a good way to add structure to the day and save your sanity. For older kids, some libraries have video game consoles for groups of friends to get together and play.

6. Check out a video game.

Got a new game system for the holidays? Want to test out a game before you buy? Many libraries have brand-new video games available to borrow for systems like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and more.

Popular games may have longer wait times, so get on the list early to ensure you’re first in line when winter break starts. Check your library’s website for availability or stop in and ask your librarian.

7. Read or listen while you travel to Grandma’s house.

Take the whole library with you, but don’t add an ounce of weight to that luggage! We know nothing else is fitting in that backseat, anyway.

Ebooks and audiobooks are available free from the library on the Libby app with just your library card.

Read on the plane by downloading a title on Libby for offline use or listen to an audiobook in the car while you drive.

You can borrow books from your digital library wherever you are—even at Grandma’s.

8. Shop the library book sales.

Unlike the others, this hack isn’t free, but it’s inexpensive and supports a great cause. Many libraries have used book racks you can browse and purchase for only a few bucks. Plus, most of the books are still in great shape. Gifting used books is sustainable and allows you to stretch your budget further and support local at the same time.

These racks are often managed by the Friends of the Library group—a volunteer organization that supports library fundraising efforts.

9. Buy gifts from your library’s merchandise shop or Plot Threads.

Find the perfect gift for your book-loving family and friends at your library’s merchandise shop. You can purchase wearables and accessories with the library logo or literary taglines, which makes for a unique and thoughtful gift.

You can also shop at Plot Threads for apparel and accessories featuring your favorite library apps including Libby, Kanopy, and Sora. Proceeds are donated to the The American Library Association’s Office of Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services.

10. Enjoy a quiet space to regulate yourself.

The holidays can be... a lot. Between social gatherings and errands and gift-buying, the whole month can be exhausting and overstimulating. The library offers a quiet place to get away without having to purchase anything. Find a cozy nook to read a book or just close your eyes and tune out. This season is all about joy—and peace, too.

Let your local library help you stay festive and frugal this season and throughout the year. If you haven’t been in awhile, check out your library—online or in person—for more budget-friendly fun.

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