50 Free Things to Do at the Library

Written by Paul Wellington, Social Media Specialist, Communications, Downtown Main Library

Borrowing books, movies, and music is just the start of what you can do at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. There are hundreds of experiences and discoveries waiting for you, but we've built a list of 50 free things to do to get you started. First thing's first, get your free library card online or by visiting any of our 41 library locations - and then explore this list to find out all that comes with a CHPL library card.

50 Free Things to Do at the Library

1. Read eBooks with Libby and Hoopla
2. Explore the stars with a telescope
3. Reserve a study or meeting room
4. Visit attractions across Hamilton County with a Discovery Pass
5. Watch films with Kanopy
6. Stream and download music with Freegal
7. Get comfy with a Library laptop
8. Pick up your holds after hours with Holds Lockers
9. Get personalized reading recommendations from Library staff using Book Hookup
10. Check out items for your students with an Educator Card
11. Print up to 20 pages per day for free
12. Send an unlimited number of faxes
13. Research your family history with genealogy databases
14. Pick up an at home COVID-19 test kit
15. Design to your heart's content with Adobe products in a MakerSpace
16. Fix your vehicle with Chilton auto manuals
17. Register to vote
18. Learn a new skill with LinkedIn Learning
19. Study for the ACT, SAT, and more with Peterson's Test Prep
20. Experience the past through historic newspapers
21. Dance and sing at a storytime
22. Get tech help for Library apps
23. Book a personalized 30 minute appointment with a Library Staff
24. Get Homework Help after school
25. Brush up on your resume with Job Office Hours
26. Meet fellow readers in a book club
27. Eat a free meal after school (kids and teens)
28. Learn a new language with Transparent Language
29. Explore old photos in our Digital Library
30. Attend a Writer-in-Residence workshop
31. Explore a virtual exhibit
32. Learn about grants for nonprofits
33. Enjoy free Wi-Fi
34. Partner with the Library
35. Hear stories through our Veterans History Project video series
36. Find a great read with a curated book list
37. Get the latest news with the Cincinnati Enquirer
38. Attend an ESOL class
39. Learn computer skills in the Adult Learning Center
40. Earn your high school diploma with Career Online High School
41. Unleash your creativity with Creativebug art and craft videos
42. Manage materials with the Library app
43. Listen to a Library podcast
44. Discover Cincinnati history
45. Pick up a Take Make Kit full of free supplies and instructions, then enjoy a craft or activity at home.
46. Sign up for Discover Summer and get free swag (kids and teens)
47. Explore local and state LGBTQIA+ resources
48. Follow CHPL on social media
49. Pick up and return materials in a Library drive-thru
50. Discover small business resources

What's your favorite way to use your library card? Let us know in the comments below!