The best technology available in libraries

Your local public library may be a treasure trove of great tech products you can try out, borrow, or even take a class to learn how to use them. At PCMag, we're staffed by library regulars, so we asked them what great tech you can get access to with a membership. Because we're a remote organization, they told us what's available at their local libraries in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, and Virginia. We also checked out some libraries in Washington DC, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin to see what else we could find.

These are some of the best technology resources I've learned about, listed alphabetically: Library collections vary, but remember that you can always request the library to add new ones.

Classes to learn about 3D printers and how to use them

In many libraries 3D Printer There are also free courses available to teach you how to use it. For example, the Arlington, Virginia, public library offers Maker Space There is also a list of upcoming events, and patrons can sign up for free workshops to learn how to use the tools. If you already know how to use a 3D printer and have signed a waiver, you can request access to the printer without having to be there during a class.

(Photo by Joseph Maldonado)

Audiobooks and eBooks

Audiobooks and e-books are public library staples, and most US libraries have them available to borrow entirely online. You don't have to pick up anything. Read the article that explains. How to borrow e-books and How to rent an audiobook If you are new to the book, please borrow it from the library. Kindle Or other E-Reader Once you install the app (usually Libby) lets you read and listen to books on your phone or computer. When the loan expires, the app automatically returns the book, so you don't have to worry about remembering when to return it.

Cricut Machine and Laser Cutter

Some libraries have 3D printer maker labs or workshops, and some even have Cricut machines (a die-cutting machine used by artisans to precisely cut fabric, vinyl, wood, and other materials) and laser cutters. If your library has one of these machines, you can reserve it during a class, open workshop time, or through their online form.

DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs

Instead of spending $19.99 to stream the latest movies, check out the DVDs and Blu-rays at your library and borrow them. If you don't have a DVD player, external disc drives are available for as little as $25 and are well worth it after a use or two. The same goes for music on CDs, audiobooks, and other audio content.

Electric bicycle

Want to try an e-bike but can't afford to spend thousands of dollars? Check out an e-bike lending library instead. Electric bicycle lending library Some libraries are part of a public library system, while others are independent. For example, in Madison, Wisconsin, Electric bike and helmet You can also borrow books directly from libraries. However, the city of Long Beach, California, recently Launching a new initiative to rent electric bicycles The local library hosts the applications for your programs but does not run them directly.

(Credit: Angela Moscaritoro)

Power Usage Monitor

A colleague of mine uses a library in Milford, Connecticut. Kill-A-Watt Power Usage Monitor She borrowed the device from her local library, a plug-in device that measures the power usage of anything from your computer to your refrigerator.

Genealogy Services

Many public libraries, including those in New York City, the District of Columbia, and Austin, offer patrons access to online genealogy services. Ancestors.comAncestry Library Edition is a great resource for researching census records, birth, marriage, death records, immigration records, military records, and more. Note that some libraries require you to be physically in the library to access it, but you may be able to access it on your own device if you connect to the library's Wi-Fi.

GoPro and other action cameras

I found GoPro They are available for loan at public libraries large and small, including Sacramento, Webster Groves (Missouri), Port Washington (New York), Fort Collins (Colorado), etc. These cameras cost as much as $300, so borrowing them from the library is a great option if you want to get some shots in or try them out for a few days.

Hotspots

A friend of mine from Seattle recently traveled and told me that when he wasn't sure what the Wi-Fi or data connection would be like in a new place, he would often borrow a hotspot from his local library. I had no idea they offered hotspots, but it turns out my library does too. Hotspots are an important tool not only for travelers, but also for students and people on fixed incomes who can't connect to the internet at home.

Language learning apps (online access and disc)

Several Best Language Learning AppsLibraries offer free apps, even expensive ones. Many offer online access to apps like Rosetta Stone, Mango Languages, and Babbel, and may also offer online access or physical CDs for audio-heavy programs like Pimsleur and Michel Thomas.

Online Magazines

Just because you don't pay for a magazine subscription doesn't mean you can't read it. Library patrons can read major magazines online, including: Atlantic Monthly, Forbes, people, time magazineand many more are available through partnerships with digital magazine hosting services. Depending on your library's setup, it can be hard to find them. At my library, I log into my account, search for the publication I want, and look for a link that says “Online Access.” This link takes me to the partner's website, where I have to log in again with my library credentials. But from there, it's easy.

(Credit: Arlington Public Library/PCMag)

A colleague mentioned that their local library in Beacon, New York, loans out pressure washers. I looked into it and found a few others that do. Some public libraries also loan out tools and power tools directly (Berkeley, California's system has a system where they loan out tools directly to customers). Tool LibraryEither way, the next time you need to fix something around the house or do some outdoor maintenance, check what you can borrow from the library before buying a tool you may never use again.

Recording booth and equipment

There is a large library of audio recording equipment, The Brooklyn Public Library also has a sound booth. Record anything: music, podcasts, voice acting demos, and more. Studio photos on Flickr.

Streaming Subscriptions

Kanopy is an online streaming service that partners with libraries and universities to give patrons and students access to videos from the comfort of their own home. My library gives me Kanopy video credits every month, so while I don't get unlimited viewing, I never use them all up. Kanopy also has content for kids, making it a great free resource for parents.

video game

Video games can be expensive, so before you buy your next game, check to see if you can borrow it from your library.

Explore everything at your fingertips

Public libraries are valuable resources for communities, so take a look at what yours has to offer. In addition to books, magazines, and technology, you can borrow board games, puzzles, toys, and more. Libraries also host workshops, information sessions on community issues, and educational events that you won't want to miss.