Explore the Library’s Hidden Gems at this Month’s Lunch & Learn

Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library

The Library’s collection of books and media are just the start of what you can discover with your library card. Join us on the fourth Thursday of the month at noon for a new Lunch & Learn video. This month, Keith Armour, the Library's Adult Learning and Literacies Manager, shares some of his favorite "hidden library gems" – which are all free with you library card.

Keith's "Hidden Library Gems"

• Print & Fax: Print up to 20 pages in color or 33 in black and white per day for free at any of CHPL's 41 library locations. With free follow-me printing, send your documents to be printed from your home, email, or mobile device. When you get to a library location, you can release the job for immediate printing with your library card number, guest ID, or email release code. 
• MakerSpace: Gather, invent, and learn at our MakerSpaces. Our free 3D printers, software, laser cutters and other tools will help you create pretty much anything you can imagine. 
• Meeting and Study Rooms: Reserve a meeting or study room for free - available at most of our 41 library locations.
• Laptops: Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library cardholders may borrow one laptop at a time for two hours of use at the library. The hundreds of laptops available in our kiosks throughout Hamilton County run Microsoft Windows 10 and include webcams. Installed programs include Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Publisher, etc.), multiple web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer), among others.
• Discovery Pass: Visit your favorite arts, cultural, and recreational attractions in Hamilton County for free with a Library card. Participating organizations include the Taft Museum of Art, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Great Parks of Hamilton County, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the American Sign Museum.
• Passports: The Library’s passport service is a quick, easy, and convenient way to replace, renew, or apply for a passport with the help of trained Library staff.Currently, the Library has five locations where you can make an appointment to get a passport. Appointments are required and take around 30 minutes per person. Check out our Passport Service page, opens a new window for a list of necessary documents to bring and additional passport services information.
• Telescopes:  To expand access to STEM-related learning tools and materials, the Library has partnered with Dean Regas and the Cincinnati Observatory, to circulate 10 Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch astronomical telescopes for use by library cardholders.
• Hot Tickets: Have your name automatically added to a holds list for forthcoming DVDs with box office sales over $10 million.
• Hot Authors: Be first in line for new books from popular authors. We'll place an automatic hold on new novels by your favorite writers. Choose from regular print, large print, eBook, or eAudiobook formats.

What's your "hidden library gem?" Let us know in the comments below!