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
- Read eBooks with Libby and Hoopla
- Explore the stars with a telescope
- Reserve a study or meeting room
- Visit attractions across Hamilton County with a Discovery Pass
- Watch films with Kanopy
- Stream and download music with Freegal
- Get comfy with a Library laptop
- Pick up your holds after hours with Holds Lockers
- Get personalized reading recommendations from Library staff using Book Hookup
- Check out items for your students with an Educator Card
- Print up to 20 pages per day for free
- Send an unlimited number of faxes
- Research your family history with genealogy databases
- Pick up an at home COVID-19 test kit
- Design to your heart's content with Adobe products in a MakerSpace
- Fix your vehicle with Chilton auto manuals
- Register to vote
- Learn a new skill with LinkedIn Learning
- Study for the ACT, SAT, and more with Peterson's Test Prep
- Experience the past through historic newspapers
- Dance and sing at a storytime
- Get tech help for Library apps
- Book a personalized 30 minute appointment with a Library Staff
- Get Homework Help after school
- Brush up on your resume with Job Office Hours
- Meet fellow readers in a book club
- Eat a free meal after school (kids and teens)
- Learn a new language with Transparent Language
- Explore old photos in our Digital Library
- Attend a Writer-in-Residence workshop
- Explore a virtual exhibit
- Learn about grants for nonprofits
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi
- Partner with the Library
- Hear stories through our Veterans History Project video series
- Find a great read with a curated book list
- Get the latest news with the Cincinnati Enquirer
- Attend an ESOL class
- Learn computer skills in the Adult Learning Center
- Earn your high school diploma with Career Online High School
- Unleash your creativity with Creativebug art and craft videos
- Manage materials with the Library app
- Listen to a Library podcast
- Discover Cincinnati history
- Pick up a Take Make Kit full of free supplies and instructions, then enjoy a craft or activity at home.
- Sign up for Discover Summer and get free swag (kids and teens)
- Explore local and state LGBTQIA+ resources
- Follow CHPL on social media
- Pick up and return materials in a Library drive-thru
- Discover small business resources
What's your favorite way to use your library card? Let us know in the comments below!
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