Money Matters: You know that moment when you find a $20 bill in an old coat pocket? Pure joy.

Now imagine that, but 64 times bigger. Because that’s how much money your family could be saving—every single month—just by using the public library.

I’m not talking about dusty encyclopedias and shushing librarians. I’m talking streaming services, online courses, workspaces, audiobooks, kids’ programs, and more. All of it: free.

And yet, most folks walk past it like it’s a haunted building from the 1800s. Let’s fix that. Your budget’s about to breathe again.

Survey says: As of 2022, there were approximately 164,280 librarians; 38,380 library technicians; and 79,840 library assistants working in the United States. That’s a treasure trove of free services just waiting to be claimed.

Here is what on that portioned plate today:

😎 Our Favorite Resources
👍 7 Free Library Resources That Save Money
👌 The $1,000 Library Loophole Your Family’s Been Missing
🤷‍♀️ What’s up for next week

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Cool Links

Our favorite resources

🔍 Find a Library

Library Finder - The US Governments resource to find a library using your zip code.

OverDrive - Online access to library services.

📱 Apps

Libby - get access to all your favorite library services from your phone!

👀ICYMI

The 2025 Family Fun Formula That Creates Priceless Memories

📜Quote

“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.” - Neil Gaiman

Today’s Main Event

The 7 Budget Lifelines Hiding at Your Local Library 

Every month that you skip your local public library—every time you say "eh, I don’t have time," or let your kids scroll TikTok instead of picking up a book—you’re not just missing out on free stuff. You’re practically lighting $1,289 on fire.

Don’t believe me? Good. I brought receipts.

Here’s a line-by-line breakdown of how your average family of four is bleeding cash that could easily be plugged with one dusty, forgotten card: your library card.

1. Books for Everyone: $336+ a Month

Let’s talk about one of the quietest money drains in your family budget: books. Yeah, we all love them. We want our kids to love them. But buying books like a “good parent” adds up fast.

The average new hardcover book costs about $28. Now imagine each member of your family of four reads just one book a month—which, honestly, is conservative for adults and downright laughable for most kids under 12 who are devouring Dog Man and Captain Underpants at lightning speed.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 4 people x 1 book/month = 4 books

• 4 books x $28 = $112/month

But that’s just the adult and teen reads.
Let’s get real: kids inhale books. Bedtime stories, school book reports, graphic novels, princess sagas, junior detective series, and whatever new trend just hit TikTok. Some families go through 2–3 kids’ books per child, per week.

Even if we add just 4 extra kids’ books per month at $10–$15 each, that’s another $50–$60 burned.

Total? $112 + $60 = $172/month
That’s $2,064 a year on something your local library gives you FREE, unlimited, and without late fees in most places.

2. Streaming Subscriptions: $65+ a Month

Let’s face it: streaming services have become essential in most households. They offer convenience, endless content, and the luxury of watching what you want when you want. But what’s not convenient? The steady drain on your wallet. While streaming platforms make it easy to indulge in a little entertainment, they also quietly start to pile up with recurring monthly charges.

Most families today are signed up for 3 to 5 streaming services. Snapshot please:

• Netflix: $15.49/month

• Disney+: $10.99/month

• Hulu (No Ads): $17.99/month

• Prime Video or Max: $14.99–$17.99/month

This adds up to $60–$70 per month—and that’s just the basic services.

Now, imagine this: you could cancel two or three of those streaming subscriptions—and still have access to thousands of movies and TV shows for free.

This is where your local library saves the day. With Kanopy and Hoopla, you get thousands of free movies, shows, and documentaries without a single ad or monthly fee. These services, available with your library card, provide a massive library of entertainment options, all ad-free and instant.

• Kanopy gives you access to high-quality films, indie projects, documentaries, and even kids' programming.

• Hoopla offers not just movies and TV, but also audiobooks, eBooks, and music.

No contracts, no surprise charges, and no ads. It's all free, all available, and most importantly—no extra cost beyond your tax dollars, which you’ve already paid.

Monthly savings: $65+
Annual savings: Over $780

3. Audiobooks: $30+ a Month

Let’s face it: audiobooks are a total game-changer. You listen while driving to work, your spouse gets through a novel during the commute, and The kids adore those bedtime stories that give you an extra 20 minutes of peace and quiet (little miracles after long days). But those Audible subscriptions or book purchases can rack up quickly.

Let’s do the math: if you’re buying two audiobooks a month or subscribing to two Audible accounts at $14.95 each—that’s $29.90 per month. And that’s assuming you don’t go over your limit and get hit with those extra charges (you know, the ones you always seem to forget about).

But wait! There’s a much cheaper solution: your library! With services like Libby, Hoopla, or OverDrive, you get access to unlimited audiobooks for free. Zero charges, no monthly fees, and no worries about going over your "limit."

So, if you're sick of forking out nearly $30 every month to fuel your audiobook addiction, remember: your local library has you covered.

Monthly audiobook savings: $30

4. Online Courses and Learning Platforms: $100+ a Month

Let’s be honest: online courses can easily turn into a money pit. You want to keep learning and advancing, so you sign up for platforms like:

• LinkedIn Learning: $39.99/month

• MasterClass: $15/month

• Skillshare: $29/month

• Plus, various educational apps and kids’ learning tools: $20+ a month, easy.

Add all that up, and you’re looking at $100+ per month just to keep learning or help the kids with their educational apps. That’s an annual cost of over $1,200 just for a variety of courses, tutorials, and tools that you probably don’t need to pay for.

But here’s the catch: your local library likely provides access to many of these learning platforms for free. That’s right, your library card gives you access to top-notch educational resources:

• LinkedIn Learning: Free with your library card

• Universal Class: Free courses on everything from business to crafts

• Mango Languages: A great tool to learn a new language

• Great Courses: University-level lectures and content

Whether you’re after career advancement, test prep, creative tools, or something to help the kids stay sharp during the summer, these resources have you covered. And the best part? No extra cost. It’s real value with no fluff.

Monthly course savings: $100+

5. Coworking and Study Space: $300-$500 a Month

A coworking space for just one adult can easily cost between $150 to $400/month, depending on your location. But what if both you and your spouse work remotely, or your teen needs a quiet place to study with WiFi?

The library has got you covered! Most libraries offer quiet desks, private study rooms, high-speed WiFi, and even free printing and scanning in some cases.

It’s essentially free office space without the membership fees or coffee shop distractions. Plus, it’s a peaceful, productive environment where you can get work done without interruptions.

Monthly coworking/study savings: $300+

6. Kids’ Programming & Events: $50+ a Month

Between the puppet shows, LEGO clubs, craft events, storytime, STEM workshops, and reading contests, libraries provide a wide array of fun, educational, and engaging activities for kids. These events help children explore new interests, improve their social skills, and develop a love for learning—all while having fun. But let’s be honest: outside of the library, those activities can get pricey. On average, you’re looking at $10 to $15 per event per child.

For example, if you have two kids attending two events a month each, that’s a total of 4 events at $12 each. That adds up to $48 per month—and that’s just for the basic activities. Some activities, like workshops or special events, can cost even more.

But here's the kicker: your local library offers these same types of activities—and often many more—all for free. That’s right: zero cost. Whether it's a fun-filled puppet show, a hands-on LEGO club, or an exciting STEM workshop, your kids can enjoy all of these and more without spending a dime.

And it doesn’t stop at just free events. Many libraries also provide resources for kids’ learning activities and summer reading programs that can keep them entertained and learning year-round—again, for free.

Monthly kids’ activity savings: $50+

7. Financial Tools & Subscriptions: $20 a Month

When it comes to managing your finances, staying informed is key—but the cost of financial tools and subscriptions can quickly add up. Take a look at some of the most popular services people rely on:

• Consumer Reports: $3.99/month for reliable product reviews and consumer information

• Morningstar: $25/month for in-depth investment research and analysis

• S&P NetAdvantage: $100+ a month for financial data, reports, and stock analysis

• Value Line: $30+ a month for comprehensive investment research

• Plus, investment databases that can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 a month.

If you’re subscribed to just one or two of these services, you could easily be spending $20 or more per month. That’s $240+ annually just to get access to the information you need to manage your finances, track investments, and make informed decisions.

Here’s the kicker: your local library can provide you with access to most of these services for free. That’s right—these high-quality resources, usually reserved for paid subscribers, are often available through your library's online databases, which you can access with your library card.

These tools can help you make informed decisions about your personal finances, track your investments, plan for retirement, or even just make smarter consumer purchases. And the best part? You can access them without the hefty subscription fees.

Monthly savings on subscriptions and tools: $20+

BONUS: The $1,000 Secret Most Families Walk Right Past

Until Next Time

What’s Up Next Week

Don’t forget to swing by your local library—it’s like a secret clubhouse full of free stuff your whole family can actually use (no secret handshake required).

Next week, Nico uncovers the joy of family budgeting after debt—when every dollar can finally go toward your goals.

Please let us know how we did today by clicking on the survey below.

Email us with any questions!

Until next time—keep more, spend less!

Jim and the Hootsquad

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.