120 Ways to Enjoy the Library - for Free!

       Borrow

  1. Explore and find a book to borrow!
  2. Get library materials from one of 100+ libraries in our consortium.
  3. Get a library card for everyone in your family (even the baby!)
  4. Borrow a memory care kit for a loved one.
  5. Borrow a board game & host a game night.
  6. Borrow a Chromebook.
  7. Borrow a DVD Player for on-the-go viewing.
  8. Borrow a Kindle preloaded with 100+ popular titles!
  9. Borrow an American Girl Doll.
  10. Borrow an educational kit for kids.
  11. Borrow an umbrella on a rainy day.
  12. Borrow DVDs - from classic favorites to new releases.
  13. Borrow our mini projector and enjoy a backyard movie.
  14. Feeling retro? Borrow a portable CD player and some CDs.
  15. Explore our cookbook section and bring new flavors to your table.
  16. Borrow one of our Binge Boxes and host a themed movie night.
  17. Enjoy easier reading—explore our large print favorites!
  18. Reduce energy costs when you borrow the Kill A Watt Monitor.
  19. Stay connected on the go -- borrow a Hotspot for your next road trip.
  20. Borrow a book bag to carry all of your finds.
  21. Can't get to the library? Get home deliveries.

    Discover and Learn
     
  22. Looking for your next great read or movie night pick? Our expert librarians are here to help!
  23. Browse our Middle School collection for age-appropriate reads.
  24. Browse the Community Board for local activities and information.
  25. Build early literacy skills through fun and engaging storytimes!
  26. Build something cool at LEGO Club.
  27. Build, create, and explore with Magna-Tiles!
  28. Catch some live music at a library concert.
  29. Discover local artisans at the Artisan Fair.
  30. Discover local authors.
  31. Discuss social topics over donuts.
  32. Explore travel guides, browse road atlases, and hoopla, Libby, and Kanopy to plan your next adventure.
  33. Explore local history books.
  34. Explore your creativity at Craft & Chat for adults.
  35. Try something new at a cooking demo/tasting.
  36. Subscribe to a book list and get recommendations right to your inbox.
  37. Look up the Word of the Week in our dictionary.
  38. Try food from all over the world in Teen Tasters.
  39. Explore new places at an offsite program.
  40. Rediscover the classics.
  41. Spark creativity in kids with our fun-filled craft programs.
  42. Visit area museums or cultural attractions at a discount (or for free)!
  43. Subscribe to our eNews and get weekly updates about Library happenings.
  44. Learn something new at a historical program.
  45. Watch a classic film at Film Lover Fridays.
  46. Get flexible at a yoga class.

    Go Digital
     
  47. Download the SWAN Libraries+ app where you can place holds, check your account and more.
  48. Choose from 30,000 feature films, documentaries, educational videos, and TV shows to stream on Kanopy.
  49. Explore the Libby reading app for eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
  50. Download hoopla and enjoy instant access to eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, and more with no waiting!
  51. Enjoy audiobooks your way - from hoopla, Libby, or on a Playaway.
  52. Get free digital access to the New York Times (yes, even the games), Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and more.
  53. Learn a new language on Mango Languages.
  54. Shop smart with Consumer Reports.
  55. Try Kanopy Kids for streaming enriching movies or TV series.
  56. Research your next paper with our databases.
  57. Explore our online career resources designed to help you succeed.
  58. Car trouble? Get help on Auto Repair Source.
  59. Discover animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, nonfiction books and more in Tumblebooks (K-6).

    Join In
     
  60. Compete against other puzzlers in a jigsaw race.
  61. Display your artwork on our local spotlight display.
  62. Engage with your community at Coffee Monday.
  63. Create a cool craft in middle school makers after school.
  64. Bring your stuffed animal for a sleep over at the library!
  65. Join our community read program.
  66. Join the conversation and attend a book discussion.
  67. Be social—follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
  68. Help us serve you better! Share a suggestion, either on our website or in the building.
  69. Read 100 Books Before you start High School and get cool prizes!
  70. Help us out over the summer as a Teen Volunteer.
  71. Prove yourself the Mario Kart champion.
  72. Readers of all ages—kids, teens, and adults—can join our summer reading programs and earn exciting rewards.
  73. Show off your trivia knowledge at a trivia event.
  74. Make slime!
  75. Show off your artistry in a Teen Sketchbook.
  76. Share your collections in the Children's display case.
  77. Get science-y at STEM Club.
  78. Rep some library swag from our new shop.
  79. Get a frozen treat at our Summer Reading Kickoff.
  80. Have tea with your American Girl doll.
  81. Read a poem aloud and earn a delicious pancake—yes, really!
  82. Read to a Dog. Woof.
  83. Safely dispose of documents at our annual paper shredding event.
  84. Start your child’s reading journey with 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!
  85. Swap your old jigsaw puzzles for new ones at our Puzzle Swap.
  86. Suggest a purchase to help expand our library's collection.
  87. Write a letter to S'more (or Gelato or Cheescake).

    Visit
     
  88. Take a leisurely stroll through the building and admire the stunning architectural style designed by William Drummond.
  89. Catch up on your homework.
  90. Charge your device in the library with one of our chargers.
  91. Do a scavenger hunt in the kids room.
  92. Enjoy artwork all around the library and on our Local Spotlight display.
  93. Grab a craft to take home.
  94. Bring your laptop and work in a cozy corner of the library.
  95. Hang out with your friends in the Teen Space after school.
  96. Enjoy free WiFi in the building and garden.
  97. Fax and scan for free.
  98. Pick up a crossword puzzle.
  99. Pick up a Family Fun Bag.
  100. Pick up a free copy of Rules of the Road.
  101. Pick up a tax form.
  102. Play iSpy with the Children's Room door frame display.
  103. Play Minecraft on the teen computers.
  104. Print or copy 5 black & white pages for free each day.
  105. Print a shipping label.
  106. Read a magazine.
  107. Register to vote.
  108. Take a break in our beautiful garden—enjoy lunch, explore our commemorative plaques, or simply unwind in a peaceful setting.
  109. Take a creative break and do some coloring in the teen space.
  110. Take a selfie in front of our community mural.
  111. Meet new friends in the Children's Room.
  112. Need a space to meet? Book a meeting room or study space.
  113. Stay up to date on current events with our newspapers.
  114. Snag a bestseller from the Lucky Day collection.
  115. Snuggle up with a book or magazine by the fireplace.
  116. Spark imagination and play with your kids in the Children's Room.
  117. Try our kid-friendly iPads! Perfect for grades K–4, with fun learning apps ready to go.
  118. Stop at a service desk and ask a question - we're here to help!
  119. Need to get online or work on a project? Use one of our public computers.

120. Celebrate 120 years of community and stories—enjoy cake, spin the prize wheel, and share your library love!