Step onto any subway platform and there are plenty of people reading books; but there are probably more people wearing headphones.
Some are listening to music, others to audiobooks or podcasts, and then there are those watching movies on their phones. While we all know the library is the place to go for books, there are a handful of other things you can get for free with your New York Public Library card.
There’s no feeling like the one of a physical book in your hands, but in the fast-paced environment of NYC it’s sometimes easier to listen to a book, or read an e-book downloaded to your phone/tablet. And the NYPL offers all of these options, and more.
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E-Books & Audiobooks
Although most would classify these as two separate things, NYPL categorizes them together so we will, too. There are over 300,000 e-books and audiobooks offered by the library that you can discover directly from your computer. The website offers an app, SimplyE, which you can download from GooglePlay or the App Store and browse their vast selection from your phone or tablet of choice.
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Movies
As of August 4, anyone with a library card can watch roughly 30,000 films through the streaming service Kanopy—for free! NYPL’s blog says through this service you’ll be able to access “thousands of independent, classic, and documentary films.”
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Music
Using the service Freegal music, library card holders can sign in and download up to three Sony Music songs a week. You’re welcome.
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Classes
The NYPL also offers various classes and workshops that are free to the public. The classes will teach you everything from how to maneuver Google Drive, to summer reading programs for children. They even have writing workshops of all kinds for those looking to brush up on their skills. You can find their calendar of classes here.
Featured image source [Photo Modified: flickr/Mike/CC by 2.0].