11 free things you can get with a Chicago Public Library card

Chicago has a wealth of world-class museums, and you can explore many of them for free with a library card. Instead of the former system, which required members to check out and return a physical pass, the Chicago Public Library launched a digital program. You can now reserve a pass online for a specific date. Attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Most offers also don’t require a child to be in the group, which is a change from the old pass system.

Whether you want to brush up on your Spanish or are interested in picking up Norwegian, you can do so with Mango or Little Pim. Mango is a digital platform and app that offers lessons on more than 70 languages, including English. For kids, Little Pim is a digital service that offers lessons on a dozen languages, from French to Arabic.

A library card not only provides you with paperback books to read, but also access to a large selection of ebooks, audiobooks, digital comics, movies, music and magazines through hoopla, OverDrive and Flipster. The services can be used on a variety of devices.

Starting a book club is simple with a library card, thanks to The Reading Set. Cardholders can reserve a set of eight to 12 books for their group to read, discuss and return before moving on to the next. There are more than 300 titles available, ranging from new releases and award-winners to poetry, short stories and international literature. 

This youth learning space that focuses on digital media and the maker movement is available at all 82 Chicago Public Library locations. Teens can hang out and create music, video, photos, 2D and 3D projects, and more using laptops, cameras and other tech. It’s a dynamic environment designed to help students develop their skills in STEM, with guidance from mentors.

In addition to movies, you can check out CDs and even vinyl to spin on your turntable. It’s a great way to sample albums before heading to a record store and adding to your permanent collection.

Located on the third floor of Harold Washington Library Center, Maker Lab is a public space that offers introductory workshops and an open shop for personal projects. You can use equipment like sewing and knitting machines, 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as design software.

You don’t need a subscription to read the Chicago Tribune or Chicago Sun-Times; you just need a library card. The Chicago Public Library offers full texts of all articles from both local papers, with archives that span back decades. You can also read stories from other publications like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

For musicians, the eighth floor of the Harold Washington Library Center has a chamber rehearsal room, which contains a baby grand piano and can accommodate three to 10 people. There are also six practice rooms equipped with upright pianos that fit up to three people. All rooms can be reserved online.

Don’t have a printer at home? No problem. Upload or email your documents and have them printed at a local library. It’s 15 cents per page for a single-sided print, and 25 cents per page for a double-sided print, but the first $1.50 in printing is free.

Enjoy free internet on the go by checking out a Wi-Fi hotspot from select libraries. No data plans or subscriptions are needed—just connect your computer, phone, tablet or other device to the hotspot for internet access no matter where you are.