Written by Mari Randolph, Branch Manager, Corryville Branch Library and Liz Weigand, Teen Librarian, Clifton Branch Library
You’ve moved into your dorm and said goodbye to the parents. Besides stocking up on snacks, energy drinks, and other dorm essentials, there’s one more thing you’ve got to get before school starts: a library card! Here are 11 reasons why a CHPL library card will be one of your most valuable items on campus.
1. Stream Your Favorite Music for Free
To sort-of quote Harry Styles, “you know [the Library’s] not the same as it was.” The Library offers more than you may think, including free streaming music on Freegal, opens a new window. Ad-free Harry Styles, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and other top artists are perfect for your dorm room playlist.
2. Find Your Secret Study Spot
Campus can get crowded, and when you need a place where you won’t be distracted, the Clifton, opens a new window and Corryville, opens a new window branch libraries are convenient places with tons of study and meeting rooms.
3. Take a Break with a Good Book, Movie, or TV Show
We all need a break – and a good book, movie, or tv show is perfect for unwinding after a stressful day. Browse from one of the largest collections in the country so you don’t have to pay for books or a streaming service. Not sure what to check out next? Find something in these lists compiled by CHPL staff, opens a new window.
4. Print and Scan Homework, Presentations, and Forms for Free!
Save money whenever you have a turn in a term paper, print off a team project, or submit forms to your school's administration. Printing and scanning is free (up to 20 pages per day) at the Library, opens a new window!
5. Pick Up Books, Movies, and Albums on the Go
College schedules can get crazy. But you can pick up your holds from the Library any time, any day using the holds lockers at select branch libraries:
- Clifton Branch Library: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Oakley Branch Library: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., 365 days a year.
6. Use Powerful Research Tools to Set Your Work Apart
Find sources for research projects by consulting the various research databases, opens a new window available at the Library, including articles that you can’t find for free online. All you need is your library card.
7. Vote!
Make your voice heard in the November election. Register to vote at the library, opens a new window! You can also update your voter registration to reflect a new address and we will deliver your registration to the Hamilton County Board of Elections.
8. Create Banners, Stickers, 3D Prints, and More
Skip the expensive print stores. Visit the MakerSpace, opens a new window at Main Library or one of our mini makerspaces to create vinyl banners, stickers, buttons, and more to promote your clubs or organizations. UV Printing, 3D Printing, Large Format Scanning, Laser Engraving, and Audio / Video Recording are also available.
9. Connect with Your New Local Library
Our libraries provide connections to the local community and events. Visit one of our 41 neighborhood branches, opens a new window and you’ll always find a friendly face.
10. Get Ready to Study Abroad with the Library’s Passport Service
If you are planning to travel internationally for spring break or study abroad for a semester, you can apply for a passport at select library locations, opens a new window.
11. Prep for that Big Exam
Use your library card to sign in to Peterson’s Test Prep, opens a new window and access free, full-length online practice exams for standardized test prep, research college and grad schools, and explore financial aid and scholarships.
Getting a Library card is free and easy. Apply for one online, opens a new window or visit one of our 41 neighborhood branches, opens a new window to get one today!
Add a comment to: 11 Reasons Why A CHPL Library Card is a College Essential