Tech Tuesday: You’re Already Paying for This Subscription —
But Most People Don’t Use It
Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone is hanging in there as we have one week left until April 15th!
First, I want to announce the winner of our giveaway!
Congratulations to Caleb Jenkins — the winner of our Tech Tuesday launch giveaway! Please contact me to provide your mailing address and your display will be on its way!
How many subscriptions are you currently paying for? Do you know?
$4.99 - The New York Times
$12.99 - Audible
$15.99 - Video streaming
$9.99 - The magazine app you forgot about
$24.99 - The learning app you plan to use
It adds up.
But what if I told you that one little card — a public library card — could unlock access to many of those services for free?
Let’s talk about one of the most underrated tools out there: your local library.
An Overlooked Beacon of Knowledge
You probably already know your library lets you check out physical books. But that’s barely scratching the surface.
Your local (and sometimes state-wide) library card can get you:
Digital access to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other major papers
eBooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby and Hoopla
Digital magazines like Mac Life, The New Yorker, Wired, and Bloomberg Businessweek
Streaming movies and documentaries through Kanopy
Access to LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Mango Languages
Some even offer live tutoring, exam prep, and genealogy tools.
And yes — all for free. (Okay — not technically free, because taxes fund libraries. But you get the point.)
Library Apps That Can Replace Paid Services
Libby (by OverDrive)
Borrow eBooks and audiobooks
Sync with your Kindle or read/listen in-app
Place holds, browse new releases, and access curated collections
Hoopla
Instant streaming for audiobooks, movies, TV, and more
No holds or waiting — just borrow and enjoy
PressReader & Flipster
Read current issues of 7,000+ newspapers and magazines
Includes GQ, National Geographic, The Economist, People, Bloomberg, and more
Kanopy
Watch critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, and indie films
Includes The Criterion Collection and Great Courses series
Mango Languages
Learn over 70 languages with conversational lessons and cultural insights
A great (and free) alternative to Rosetta Stone or Babbel
What a Few Libraries Are Offering Right Now
Let’s take a look at what a few public libraries are offering right now:
Houston Public Library (TX)
Libby, Hoopla, PressReader, Kanopy
LinkedIn Learning, Creativebug, and online courses
Los Angeles Public Library (CA)
NYT, WSJ, Libby Magazines, LinkedIn Learning
Brainfuse live tutoring, Coursera, and Kanopy access
Dallas Public Library (TX)
Libby, Hoopla, and LinkedIn Learning,
Free to anyone who lives, teaches, or attends school within the City of Dallas.
Remember that different libraries may have the same apps but different content available. For example, some magazines are not available through my local library, but they are available from the Houston Public Library.
Stack Your Library Cards
You might qualify for more than one library system if you:
Live, work, or go to school in a different city or county
Own property in another jurisdiction
Are a resident of a participating state (e.g. California and Texas have open library systems)
Apps like Libby let you link multiple cards, opening up access to more content.
More Than Just Digital
While this post has focused on digital perks, many libraries offer surprising in-person resources.
The ability to check out iPads, Laptops, and Sewing Machines
Reserve a space for a few hours - (This can be great if you work from home and want to get out and enjoy a change of scenery.)
Some Final Thoughts
If you’re paying taxes, you’re already paying for a library card — so why not use it?
Whether you’re looking to save on subscriptions, dig into professional development, or rediscover the joy of borrowing a good book, your local library has you covered.
Reply and let me know what you’ve discovered through your library — or what you’re canceling this week!