September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, a national celebration of public libraries and time to make sure that students have the most important school supply of all — a free Library card.
As a reminder of the plethora of offerings available at most libraries The Seattle Public Library has put out a list packed with opportunities to enrich your life.
Here are 30 things you can do for free at The Seattle Public Library:
1. Visit a museum – we’ve just added the Museum of Flight and the Museum of History and Industry.
4. Watch a movie online or at the Library.
5. Download (and keep!) three songs a week.
6. Get homework help online or in person, in English and Spanish.
7. Speak a new language – we’ve got 80 to choose from!
8. Learn programming or Web design with Safari Books Online.
9. Become an Excel spreadsheet guru with Microsoft IT Academy.
10. Find a job.
11. Revamp your résumé – Brainfuse offers Live Résumé Help and will edit and return yours within 24 hours.
12. Get healthy with easy-to-browse health and medical journals.
13. Save money with Consumers’ Checkbook, a guide to Puget Sound services and stores such as auto repair shops, hospitals, plumbers, banks and insurance companies.
14. Research your purchases – check Consumer Reports online.
15. Download an e-book.
16. Not sure how to download an e-book on your new device? Sign up for Tech Help.
17. Reserve a computer – up to 90 minutes a day.
18. Scan photos or use Adobe Photoshop at the Central Library.
19. Research your family history.
20. Start a business.
21. Learn how to invest your money.
22. Attend a story time or take the Lego-building challenge with your kid.
23. File your taxes. Free tax help is offered every year from January to mid-April.
24. Read a book that the rest of the city is reading – Seattle Reads happens every spring.
25. Fix your bike.
26. Preview ballet and opera performances or enjoy a concert.
27. Hold a meeting – non-commercial groups can book one date per month.
28. Use free Wi-Fi.
29. Join a book group to talk about books with other readers.
30. Get personalized book recommendations with Your Next 5 Books.
Now get busy.
Previously on Book Patrol:
Seattle Public Library Unveils New Library Cards
Graphically Speaking: The Benefits of a Library Card
Library Card Coffee Table