Your Carnegie-Stout library card does more than check out books – it unlocks access to hundreds of dollars in free resources, services, and experiences every year. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth the trip to the library, read all about how the savings stack up below.
Print Books and Magazines: The average hardcover costs around $25. If you check out just one book a month, that’s $300 a year! But library users can borrow up to 100 items at a time – meaning avid readers could save $1,500 or more just on books alone. Flip through print magazines in person or digital magazines with Flipster and Hoopla instead of buying them individually. That’s a savings of $60–$120/year, depending on your reading habits. Plus, borrowing books and magazines from the library helps reduce waste – good for your wallet and the planet!
Watch without the bill. Whether you’re into classic movies, hit TV shows, or binge-worthy new releases, your library card gives you access in more ways than one. Check out DVDs and Blu-rays from our shelves, or stream thousands of titles instantly with Kanopy and Hoopla. With streaming services often costing $15–$20 each or more than $50/month combined, your library card lets you watch what you love – without the monthly fees.
Read and listen on the go. With your library card, you can download eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime using apps like Libby and Hoopla. Skip the subscription costs of services like Kindle or Audible ($120-180/year). And don’t forget music – Freegal lets you download 5 songs per week (yours to keep!), which adds up to about $335/year.
Play more, spend less. From classic board games and puzzles to outdoor games, your library card unlocks free family fun. Why spend $20–$100 on something you might use once? Borrow it first and maybe skip the shopping cart altogether!
Bonus perks you might not expect:
Vinyl records and players, memory card kits, nature exploration packs and so much more! Love to bake? Check out specialty pans that would cost $20–$45 to buy and save you cabinet space. Gardening? Our seed library offers heirloom and organic seeds. Want to test out video games or consoles before purchasing? Check out from our collection! Curious about tech or crafting? Makerspace access is totally free unlike local memberships, which can cost $65/month or more.
When you use your library card, you’re not just saving money – you’re making a choice that’s better for the planet. Borrowing books, movies, and more helps reduce waste, supports sustainable habits, and keeps your community connected. All that, plus endless learning and fun, for free!
Don’t have your library card yet? Sign up in person or online.