Think the library is just about books? Think again! Your local library is a treasure trove of resources, materials, and services, with something for everyone in the community. September marks the beginning of Library Card Sign-Up Month, and to celebrate, we’ll be highlighting some of the more “unusual” ways you can use your library card to save money, learn new things, and get access to a wealth of information and fun!
Get Your Limited Edition Library Card Sticker!
Discover the power of a library card! We’re excited to partner with Conner Prairie this year on a limited- edition vinyl sticker to jazz up your library card when you sign up for or renew your card at the Fishers or Noblesville Library during the month of September. Your library card gets you access to over 2 million library materials, over 100 online databases, educational and fun programs, and much more!
Special Offer
As an added bonus, show your limited-edition library card sticker on your next visit to Conner Prairie in the month of September to get either $2 off a general admission ticket (only for normal daily experiences, not applicable to any Conner Prairie Festivals) or $10 off a Conner Prairie membership. We encourage you to use your library card and explore this Hamilton County gem!
About Conner Prairie
“Located in Fishers, Indiana, Conner Prairie is a nationally acclaimed history destination. The outdoor museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity and foster learning about Indiana by providing engaging, individualized, and unique experiences. Created by Eli Lilly in 1934, Conner Prairie combines history with science and encourages visitors to explore Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage through hands-on, immersive, and interactive experiences. The museum offers several historically themed, indoor and outdoor experience areas throughout its 800 acres of wooded property. Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.”
12 Ways To Use Your Library Card (That You Didn’t Know About)!
Genealogy Databases
Dig into your family history through genealogy databases like Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, and Fold3! You can access them for free within the library buildings with your own device or a library computer.
Board Games
It’s game night! Check out a new board game to play with your friends and family. We’ve got over 100 games to choose from, including expansive, strategic, “Euro-style” games.
Digital Magazines
Access thousands of current and back issues of popular magazines from all over the world through OverDrive on your computer or the Libby app on your phone/tablet. Just search for a specific title or browse the magazines tab. You can even tag certain titles to receive notifications when a new issue is available to borrow! Popular titles include The New Yorker, US Weekly, Cook’s Illustrated, National Geographic, Bon Appetit, Wired, and more!
Craft Tutorials on Creativebug
Always wanted to learn how to crochet? Creativebug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, and much more through easy, visual instructions.
Maker Equipment
Laser engravers, 3D printers, and Cricut Machines, oh my! Ignite Studio offers a range of maker equipment to create personalized everything. Put unique designs on t-shirts or mugs with our sublimation printer. Create your own fashions and decor with our sewing machines. Or, make a personalized greeting cards on our Cricut machines.
Museum Passes
Learn something new with a museum pass to the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana State Museum, or the Eiteljorg Museum, available at each library branch’s reference desk. Passes are offered on a first come-first served basis and can be checked out for 5 days at a time.
Language Learning on Mango
Download the Mango app to get free access to 60 foreign language courses and 17 English courses taught in your native language. Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions.
A/V Studio
Record your next podcast, viral video, or hit music single in Ignite Studio’s A/V Studio. Equipped with cameras, microphones, lighting, and all the accessories you need to record, this space will activate your digital creativity.
TV & Movie Streaming on Hoopla
With so many streaming service subscriptions to choose from, how about getting some movies and TV shows for free? Hoopla allows you to stream movies and TV shows (plus get music, comics, audiobooks, and ebooks!), with up to ten temporary downloads each month to your computer or mobile device.
Art Kits
Explore a variety of art mediums in Ignite Studio’s kit library. Try your hand at printmaking, painting, clay hand-building, needle-felting, button-making, embroidery, paper-making, and the list goes on. We’re always adding new kits to spark your creativity.
Music Downloads on Freegal
Don’t want to pay for Spotify? Download up to five music selections per week absolutely free, with an additional three hours of streaming, through Freegal. Songs are downloaded in MP3 format, so they can be saved to any computer or mobile device with no special software required.
Mobile Hotspots
Get free, on-the-go Wi-Fi with a mobile hotspot. We have 8 portable devices that are ideal solutions for connectivity wherever you live, work, or travel. Hotspots can be checked out for 14 days.