Free streaming and a state parks pass? Your Sacramento library card can get you even more
.jpg "Sacramento Public Library employee browses shelves at one of the system’s 21 locations.")
Public library cards give holders access to a wealth of resources outside of book rentals, but not everyone is aware of the benefits that come with it.
A surprised Sacramento Reddit user posted on Monday, discovering that a library card gives holders access to a Coursera account, an online certification website.
Which isn’t all — Sacramento Public Library hosts community events as well as provides useful resources for skill development, streaming, park passes and news access.
All Sacramento County residents can sign-up for a full access library card online. In California, library cards are free. Anyone over the age of 17 can apply for a card in Sacramento County; minors will need a parent or guardian to apply. Most libraries across the state offer the same benefits to cardholders.
Here’s a list of free resources card holders can take advantage of:
Of course you can check out books
With a library card, you can check out up to 60 items at a time, and they don’t all need to be books. Here is a list of the items that can be borrowed, according to the Sacramento Public Library website:
- Books
- Board games
- Video games
- DVDs
Resources for children
The Sacramento Public Library hosts monthly events for kids of all ages.
With prom season right around the corner, the library is taking donations of formal wear throughout April at libraries throughout the county for a giveaway.
Outside of events, the library also provides resources that can help a child’s educational development.
Below are free resources, accessible to children, at the Sacramento Public Library:
- Tutoring for kids
Resources for children 0 to 5
Resources for adults
Life skills
- Check out online learning skill videos to help fix your car or conduct business and finance research.
Get help from a virtual job coach.
Government resources
- Books and study guides are available for those preparing to take a citizenship test.
Free online certification programs
If you’re looking to develop a personal skill, you can use any of the learning courses offered at the Sacramento Library that are listed below. Each of the learning programs offers courses in different areas such as: coding, computer skills, graphic design or even excel training.
Take your pick from one of the learning modules below.
Free passes
Looking for a fun activity to do with family and friends? Well your library card can get you into California parks and museums for free.
- Gain access to select California park passes. One thing to note: the library park pass is available for a one passenger vehicle with no more than nine people.
- Free and low cost passes to museums in Northern California. Partner museums include the Crocker Art Museum and the Sacramento History Museum.
Free newspaper and streaming
You can stay up-to-date with current events. Sacramento Library card holders can gain access to a range of ebooks, newspapers and magazines. Below are just some of the media outlets a library cardholder can gain access to:
Ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines
- National Geographic
- The New York Times
- The Sacramento Bee
- Wall Street Journal
- Libby app
- OverDrive App
- American Ancestors
- Britannica
- Consumer Reports
This story was originally published April 5, 2023 at 5:00 AM.