As talk of another recession looms, I’m starting to think about what I might need to trim from my household budget. Do I really watch all those streaming subscriptions? (No.) Can I live with the version with ads? (Probably also no.) Do I use that enough to justify another monthly charge? (No again.)

But just because you’re trying to cut costs doesn’t mean you have to live without—thanks to your local library. In addition to all the free things you can borrow from the library, they also offer alternatives to many of your paid subscription services like streaming video, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and more.

Here are just a few subscriptions you might consider replacing to cut costs without losing the entertainment. Every library’s offerings are different, so check out your local library to explore what’s available to you. You might be surprised by how much you save without sacrificing the things you love.

Book & audiobook subscriptions

Replaces: Audible, Spotify, Book of the Month

Summer is synonymous with reading. With more daylight hours and leisure time, a book just goes with many of my favorite summer outings—poolside, on the beach, road-tripping, relaxing outside. But you don’t have to shell out all summer for those beach reads you want.

With the free Libby app, you can borrow bestselling ebooks and audiobooks right from your local library, all in an easy-to-use platform. Prefer a Kindle? Libby lets you send books straight to Kindle.

If you’d rather have the physical book in your hand with toes in the sand, head into your local branch. Your air-conditioned library is the perfect place to chill out and browse the shelves.

Streaming services

Replaces: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime, Apple TV, HBO Max, Peacock

There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to streaming these days. (Cue the joke about how we’ve basically reinvented cable with even more subscriptions to manage and pay for.) I’m not about to give up my TV time, but I am all for fewer choices and saving money.

But cutting back doesn’t have to mean giving up movie night. Kanopy is free with a library card and has a great lineup of TV series, indie films, documentaries, foreign flicks, even stuff for kids. No ads, no monthly fees, and you can watch on any device in your house.

RELATED READ: How to get started streaming films for free with Kanopy

Prefer physical format? Many libraries still lend DVDs and Blu-rays of both new releases and classic favorites.

Online courses

Replaces: MasterClass, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera

Been tempted by one of those paid learning platforms to brush up on a skill or try something new? Before you click “subscribe,” check out what your library offers.

From language learning apps to online courses through platforms like LinkedIn Learning, The Great Courses, and more, you can access tons of classes for free. Whether you’re into photography, coding, or just want to finally learn Excel, there’s probably something waiting for you behind your library card login.

Check your library’s website for more information or explore Libby Extras, extra learning and entertainment resources you can access through the Libby app.

Magazines & newspapers

Replaces: Buying at the store or signing up for subscriptions

Magazine subscriptions adding up? Libby lets you access popular magazines without the price tag. I’m talking The New Yorker, National Geographic, Bon Appétit—all free to read from your phone or tablet. No expired subscriptions, no cluttered coffee table.

If paywalled news articles got you down, many libraries also offer free digital access to top newspapers like The New York Times or local newspapers. All you need is your library card.

Kids educational platforms, streaming & games

Replaces: ABCMouse, Epic!, Disney+

Kids’ learning apps can sneak up on you. Monthly charges here, yearly fees there—and suddenly you’ve got a whole budget line dedicated to ABCs and animal facts. Thankfully, many libraries offer free access to educational platforms, plus a ton of games, read-alongs, and streaming video and TV through Kanopy Kids.

Learning apps

Libby is a great choice for kids, and can be customized to fit their needs. If your child uses Sora, the student reading app, at school, they can also dive into Sora Sweet Reads for a selection of summer reading titles. Plus, in Sora they can earn badges for finishing a book or borrowing different types of books because what kid doesn’t love a challenge?

Streaming

Find Blippi, Sesame Street, Arthur, and all your friends on Kanopy Kids, a safe, educational, and parent-trusted streaming platform that’s free from the library. Choose from over 2,000 titles that appeal mostly to kids ages 2 to 8. While in the Kanopy Kids section, they’ll only see content that's age-appropriate and allows unlimited viewing. It's screen time you can feel good about without shelling out for another streaming subscription.

In-person fun

The library is also a perfect spot for some one-on-one time with the kids. Let them explore the children’s area, play around on the computers, “shop” for books, and join in on the library’s summer reading program, often with cool prizes as incentives.

And did you know most libraries let you borrow puzzles and board games? Taking a break from the screens and diving into a game of Candyland or Monopoly might be exactly what your summer needs.

RELATED READ: 5 free ways to keep kids reading this summer (plus printable activities!)

Co-working space memberships & printing services

Replaces: Business centers, co-working memberships, FedEx Office / Staples Print Services

Co-working spaces can be a hip, trendy, and unfortunately expensive way to get a little work done outside the house. Save your cash and still get free Wi-Fi, reservable study rooms, comfy chairs, a Zoom-worthy background, and peace and quiet at the library. Mine even has a fireplace and deck seating outside!

Many branches also offer free or low-cost printing and scanning so you don’t have to run an extra errand to a retailer or shipping carrier for those services.

Skip the subscriptions and check out your library for tons of free summer entertainment!

RELATED READ: 9 free perks you can get at the library this summer