Four Reasons You Should Get a Library Card

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Ever since I’ve gotten back into reading, the local library has played a huge part in my literary hobby. Getting a library card was one of the best decisions I made in my mid-20s and I definitely can’t confidently say that about all of my choices over the last few years lol. 

Just like those who don’t have Goodreads yet, it always surprises me just how many people don’t have a library card! Oh the wonders you’re missing out on!

Therefore, to celebrate National Library Week, here are four reasons you should get a library card. :D

Pictured: a stack of library books, including: You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria, A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney, She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker Chan, and A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark.

1. Library Cards are FREE

That’s right! There is no cost to having a library card. All you have to do is either go to your local library and fill out an application form OR many libraries allow you to apply for a card online.


2. Save Your Money

In 2021, I saved almost $1,500 just by reading books from the library instead of buying every book on my “To Be Read” (TBR) list. Did you know the average price of a paperback is about $15? That can add up quickly if you’re purchasing every physical book you read. 

Plus, what if you buy a book you end up not liking or DNFing (did not finish)? By using your local library, you can read any book for free. Then, if you loved it enough to want your own copy, at least you know it’s a solid investment for another addition to your bookshelf.

Besides, life is too short to continue reading a book you can’t get into and/or aren’t liking. If it’s a library book you’re reading then at least you can just return it without a second thought. If you bought the book, you may feel like you have to push through it so that it’s not a wasted investment, and that is not a fun reading experience. :/

3. Access All the Resources

In addition to all of the amazing things your local library offers like meeting spaces, computers, printing services, movies, catalogs, and more, you can get access to a larger resource pool with your library card! 

Libby is a free app that gives you access to a collaborative of libraries where you can borrow ebooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines. The perk to Libby is even if your local library doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, most likely other libraries that are a part of this Co-op will. 

Sound enticing? All you need to register on Libby is a library card! :)


4. Support Your Local Community

Although it’s not necessarily obvious, the library has a huge impact on your local community. By providing books, educational resources, and more, libraries are a source of growth and development for cities and towns all over the country. 

They increase literacy levels in the community, help people apply for jobs, provide a safe space for people from all walks of life to meet to discuss books or ideas, and so much more.

You can feel good knowing you’re contributing to the thriving local library by supporting it with the use of your library card! 

Well that’s my pitch. So join me in celebrating National Library Week, and go out there and get your library card! :D

P.S. Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already. :)