Let’s be real: when most teens hear the word library, they probably picture dusty bookshelves, uncomfortable chairs, and someone aggressively whispering, “SHHH!”
But libraries have seriously upgraded since we were kids (hello fellow Millennials)!
A library card is basically a free-access pass to books, various forms of entertainment, Wi-Fi, homework help, and a bunch of other stuff you’d normally have to pay for. And unlike most things labeled “free,” there’s no mysterious subscription charge waiting to attack our bank accounts next month. Plus, in a world where the literacy rates are rapidly decreasing across the country, our kids do not have to be a part of these scary statistics.
Here are six reasons our teens should absolutely have a library card.
1. Books Are Expensive. Library Books Are Not.
Have you looked at the price of a new hardcover lately? You can easily spend $20 or $30 on a book, finish it in three days, and then stare at your empty wallet while wondering what happened.
With a library card, our kids can borrow books for free (and you know FREE is where people be LOL).
Fantasy? Yep. Romance? Definitely. Manga? Probably an entire shelf. Mysteries, thrillers, biographies, graphic novels, and books about extremely specific topics when they suddenly become obsessed with at 11:47 p.m.? The library has them covered.
They just need to remember to return them. I have to remind my kid that the books are free to borrow, not free to try to quietly adopt.
2. You Don’t Even Have to Read a Physical Book
If carrying around a 600-page fantasy novel sounds like an unnecessary arm workout to your teen, good news: many libraries offer e-books and audiobooks.
They can borrow them using their phones or tablets and read practically anywhere. Audiobooks are especially useful when they’re walking, cleaning their rooms, riding in the car, or pretending to clean their rooms while actually lying on the floor.
Technology: occasionally it does something besides destroy their attention spans.
3. Homework Might Become Slightly Less Painful
Libraries can’t make homework fun. There are limits to modern science after all, but libraries can make it easier.
A library card can give them access to research databases, newspapers, magazines, reference materials, and other trustworthy sources for school projects.
That can be extremely helpful when their teachers say, “Wikipedia doesn’t count as a source.”
Rude, but fair.
And if they have no idea where to begin, librarians actually know how to find information and they seem like they’re always so willing to help. It’s basically their superpower.
4. Libraries Have Stuff That Isn’t Even Books
Plot twist: libraries have more than books.
Depending on your local library, your card might give you access to movies, music, online classes, language-learning programs, test-prep resources, games, technology, and other digital services.
Some libraries even lend unusual items like hotspots, tools, craft supplies, or equipment. Our local library is within walking distance and offers a 3d printer, a sewing machine, podcast equipment, printers, computers, and a green screen, and a computer with digital art software. It is a literal goldmine.
At this point, calling it a “library card” almost feels misleading. It’s more like a “free stuff and useful things” card.
Admittedly, that name probably wouldn’t fit on a card that goes in your wallet.
5. It’s a Free Place to Hang Out
Being a teenager creates an interesting problem: you want to get out of the house, but going almost anywhere costs money.
Coffee shop? Money.
Movie theater? Money.
Mall? Somehow you’ll spend money.
Library? Free.
Libraries give you a place to study, use Wi-Fi, work on a group project, read, draw, write, or just exist somewhere that isn’t your bedroom.
Many libraries also have teen clubs, events, workshops, gaming programs, and other activities.
And yes, you usually have to keep the volume somewhat reasonable. Apparently screaming across the room is still frowned upon.
6. You Can Try Random Hobbies Without Going Broke
Teenage years are basically one long process of figuring out what you actually like.
Photography? Try it.
Coding? Go for it.
Cooking? Maybe learn what “sauté” means before turning on the stove.
Art, music, history, writing, careers, college, fitness, fashion, science—whatever you’re curious about, there’s probably a library resource that can help you learn more.
The best part is that you don’t have to spend $75 on supplies and three books before discovering that your exciting new hobby lasted exactly nine days. Also, many libraries offer courses on college entrance exams, college essays, and even how to apply for college.
Seriously, Get a Library Card
A library card might not look exciting, but it can give you free access to books, audiobooks, digital resources, entertainment, homework help, Wi-Fi, activities, and a place to hang out.
So if the don’t yet have one, check out your local library and get them signed up.
Best-case scenario, your kids discover that the library is actually way cooler than they thought.
I feel like somewhere, there’s a librarian who is probably trying very hard not to say, “I told you so.”
