The Public Libraries Blog

Practical guides and real data on getting the most out of America’s public libraries — library cards, free e-books, printing, meeting rooms, statewide digital resources, hours and more.

Guides

Library Book Clubs: How to Join One (or Start Your Own)How free library book clubs work, how to find one to join, the 'book club in a bag' kits that make starting…How to Donate Books to the Library (What They Accept and How)What happens to donated books, the condition libraries actually want, whether it's tax-deductible, and where to…Do Libraries Have Notaries? Free Notary Services at the Library, ExplainedMany public libraries notarize documents for free by appointment — here's what they can and can't do, what to…1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: How the Reading Challenge WorksA free, do-it-at-your-own-pace challenge to read 1,000 books with your child before kindergarten — how it…What Is the Dewey Decimal System?The 10 classes, how the call numbers actually work, the complicated truth about Melvil Dewey, and why some…How to Book a Meeting Room at the Library (Free Community Rooms)Need free space for a club meeting, workshop or nonprofit board? Here is how to reserve a meeting or community…Where to Print Documents Near You (and How Library Printing Works)No printer at home? Here is the cheapest way to print a document near you, how library printing works, and how…How to Become a Librarian: Steps, Degree and SalaryThe real path into the profession — the degree you need, how long it takes, what librarians actually earn, and…How to Get a Library Card in HoustonThe Houston area actually has two separate public library systems — each with its own free card. Here's how to…How to Get a Library Card in Los AngelesThe Los Angeles area is served by two separate free public library systems — here's how to tell which one…How to Get a Library Card in PhoenixA step-by-step guide to getting a free Phoenix Public Library card online or in person, and what it unlocks.How to Get a Library Card in ChicagoEverything you need to sign up for a free Chicago Public Library card — plus options for suburban and…How to Get a Library Card in New York CityA free card in NYC starts with one question: which of the city's three library systems serves you?State & Statewide Library Cards: One Card, Many LibrariesA handful of states let a single library card work at hundreds of libraries — and almost every state offers…Non-Resident Library Cards: How to Get One (and What They Cost)You usually can get a library card even if you don't live in the area — free in many cases, or for an annual…What Is a Seed Library? How to Borrow (and Save) SeedsHow seed libraries let you borrow seeds for free, grow them, and return saved seeds so the collection keeps…What Is a Library Card Catalog?How the drawers of little index cards worked, what each line on a card meant, and why the online catalog…Ancestry Library Edition: Free Genealogy With Your Library CardHow to access Ancestry's full record database — census, immigration, military, and vital records — free through…Borrow a Wi-Fi Hotspot From the Library (Free Internet at Home)Hundreds of U.S. public libraries lend mobile Wi-Fi hotspots free with a library card — here's how to find one,…Can You Use the Library Without a Card? What You Can (and Can't) DoYou don't need a library card to walk in, read, study, attend programs, or ask a librarian for help — but a…How Many Books Can You Borrow — and How Long Can You Keep Them?A national explainer on checkout limits, loan periods, holds, renewals, and e-book rules at U.S. public libraries.How to Place a Hold (Reserve a Book) at the LibraryStep-by-step guide to reserving physical books, e-books, and audiobooks — plus how the hold queue works and…How to Renew Library Books (Online, by Phone, and Automatically)Every method explained — online catalog, Libby app, phone, in person, and auto-renewal — plus why renewals…Library Late Fees & Overdue Books: What Actually HappensFrom auto-renewals to replacement charges — a plain-English guide to what libraries do when a book comes back…How to Book a Library Study Room or Meeting Room (Free & Reservations)Step-by-step guide to reserving a quiet study space or community meeting room at your public library —…Curbside Pickup & Home Delivery at the Library: Get Books Without Going InsidePlace a hold, get notified, and pick up your books without ever stepping through the door — or have them…Free Online Movies & TV With Your Library Card (Kanopy & hoopla)Stream thousands of films, documentaries, and TV shows at no cost — all you need is a free public library card.How to Send Library eBooks to Your Kindle (Libby, Step by Step)Borrow from your local library and read on any Kindle device or app — for free.Are Libraries Open on Holidays? A Guide to Library Holiday ClosuresWhich federal holidays close public libraries, which ones stay open, and how to check your branch before you go.Libby vs. hoopla vs. Kanopy: Which Library App Should You Use?A head-to-head decision guide — content types, waitlists, borrow limits, and which app fits your reading (or…Library Printing, Copying & Scanning: Costs and How to Print From Your PhoneEverything you need to know about per-page prices, wireless printing, scanning to email, and sending documents…Lost Your Library Card? How to Replace It (and What It Costs)Step-by-step: report it, protect your account, borrow while you wait, and get a new card fast.What Your Florida Library Card Gets You Online for FreeWhat Your Florida Library Card Gets You Online for Free A Florida…The Two Library Cards Every Maryland Resident Should HaveThe Two Library Cards Every Maryland Resident Should Have Most Marylanders only…Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Explained: How to Get Any Book Your Library Doesn't OwnInterlibrary Loan (ILL) Explained: How to Get Any Book Your Library Doesn't…Can You Fax at the Library? Cost, How-To, and Free Alternatives (2026)Can You Fax at the Library? Cost, How-To, and Free Alternatives (2026)…Charming Small-Town Libraries of Connecticut: Where History Meets the Reading RoomCharming Small-Town Libraries of Connecticut: Where History Meets the Reading Room From…The Great Chicagoland Library Guide: Suburban Systems From Schaumburg to River ForestThe Great Chicagoland Library Guide: Suburban Systems From Schaumburg to River Forest…A Public-Library Road Trip Through Florida: 8 Stops From the Gulf Coast to the EvergladesA Public-Library Road Trip Through Florida: 8 Stops From the Gulf Coast…Are Public Libraries Open on Sundays?Are Public Libraries Open on Sundays? Some public libraries open on Sunday…What Can You Borrow at the Library Besides Books?What Can You Borrow at the Library Besides Books? A “Library of…How to Borrow eBooks & Audiobooks Free (Libby, hoopla, Kanopy)How to Borrow eBooks & Audiobooks Free (Libby, hoopla, Kanopy) With a…How to Get a Library Card in Any U.S. StateHow to Get a Library Card in Any U.S. State A public…

Library Data

How Are Public Libraries Funded? (And Why They're Free to Use)Where the money actually comes from — the local, state and federal split — and why your library card costs you…Library Fines Are Disappearing: Which Big U.S. Library Systems Are Fine-Free (and What Still Costs You)Library Fines Are Disappearing: Which Big U.S. Library Systems Are Fine-Free (and…U.S. Public Libraries by the Numbers: How Many, and WhereU.S. Public Libraries by the Numbers: How Many, and Where The U.S.…Free Online Library Resources by State (ELM, TEL, AVL & More)Free Online Library Resources by State (ELM, TEL, AVL & More) Most…