Your local library isn’t just for checking out books, although that’s pretty cool all by itself. As it turns out, your library card can get you all kinds of free stuff across 25 branches within the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.
Getting a Passport: The Windmill Library takes appointments for passport services for first-time applicants.
Streaming Music: While the selection isn’t as deep as Spotify or Apple Music, you can use your library card to log into FreegalMusic for ad-free music streaming at no charge.
Listening to Audiobooks: Use your library card to log into Libby to listen to audiobooks, read digital versions of books on a phone or tablet, and read current issues of magazines like The New Yorker or Rolling Stone, which are usually behind a paywall.
Stream Movies: Your library card grants instant access to Hoopla, which has a variety of movies ready to stream. You can even get a “binge pass” for Hallmark romcoms or Ken Burns documentaries. The library system also offers access to Kanopy, specializing in indie films, classics, and documentaries.
Art Galleries: The East Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Sahara West libraries are among a dozen local branches with their own art galleries to host exhibits and receptions.
Learning Programs: The resources are truly endless, from tutoring, homework help, and ACT mentorship for younger visitors to learning programs for adults. Learn a new language or work your way toward a high school diploma. Libraries also offer access to computer stations, laptops, and printers.
Record your own music: Sure, you can send your kids to college, but learning how to DJ is where the real money is in Vegas. Youngsters are welcome to take music production classes at the Clark County Library’s Best Buy Teen Tech Center. Drop beats and drop knowledge. You can even learn filmmaking and podcasting skills too. The newer East Las Vegas Library is also equipped with music and video editing equipment.
Save Your Old Photos and Videos: Several branches are equipped with a Digital Memories Preservation Lab, which teaches you how to convert media on outdated formats (like VHS, cassette tapes, Super 8 camcorder videos, etc.) to digital spaces like the cloud or a USB drive.
Grow Your Own Food: Las Vegas libraries hold regular hydroponics events, including open houses, Q&A sessions, and demonstrations to teach indoor gardeners how to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in water instead of soil.
3D Printing: This is pretty cool. At least 17 branches have 3D printing machines you can operate for free. Some require the supervision of a manager. Either way, you need to take a certification course first — also free. Create prints from a catalog or bring in designs from trusted third-party sources.
Museum and Park Passes: You can check out a pass to places like the Discovery Children’s Museum, Neon Museum’s STEAM Saturdays, Springs Preserve, and state parks like Valley of Fire. Keep in mind, you can’t just show up at the entrance gates with a library card. You need to physically check out a pass — and there’s usually a wait.
- Learn more about unlocking the potential of your Las Vegas library card. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
