There’s an amusing line from a children’s song I’ve always enjoyed: “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.” This is just one of the many life lessons learned on the children’s television show, “Arthur.” I’ve enjoyed the song and the sentiment but I don’t think I was able to fully appreciate it until I started working at a library eight years ago. Every day, hundreds of visitors come into the library. Some are visiting for the first time and inquiring about all the perks of a library card. Others have been coming in for decades and are still learning about the resources and services the library offers. Either way, the amazement that ensues is nothing short of joyous for us librarians because there are so many wonderful and free opportunities with your Princeton Public Library card.
eBooks and audiobooks – Just like the books we have on the shelves, users can download digital books to read or listen to using hoopla or Libby.
Kill-a-watt meters – Used to measure electricity consumption and understand the energy costs of any AC appliance or device, these useful gadgets can be borrowed from the library.
Internet access – As part of our campaign to bridge the digital divide, free WiFi extends beyond the library building and includes Albert Hinds Plaza; a series of mobile hotspots can be checked out for use at home and on-the-go.
Magazines and newspapers – Like eBooks and audiobooks, magazines and newspapers can be borrowed using Libby and PressReader. Cardholders also have remote access to The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
Recording equipment – PPL’s Computer Media Kits and Smartphone Media Kits can prove invaluable when it comes to recording a video, a podcast or simply enhancing a virtual meeting set-up.
Museum passes – PPL offers passes to a host of museums and institutions in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania including MoMA, The American Museum of Natural History, The Guggenheim, Eastern State Penitentiary and Princeton’s own Morven Museum & Garden.
Computers – A series of Chromebooks or Mobile Internet Kits can be checked out and taken home or cardholders can borrow a Macbook for in-library use. We also have a host of gadgets and chargers that can be borrowed when you are working in the library and may have forgotten yours at home.
Maps and binoculars to explore nature – PPL’s Nature Explorer Backpacks for kids and for adults come equipped with trail maps and handy resources for exploring the nature around us. We also have binoculars.
Portable power stations – Part of our Library of Things collection and perfect for impending weather emergencies or even camping.
Streaming films – Kanopy and Access Video on Demand can be accessed to stream content from BBC, Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, PBS and more. All titles on Access Video on Demand come with public performance rights making it ideal for classroom viewing.
Projector – Part of our Library of Things collection, this Smart Projector Kit comes with everything you need to stream and share content outside on a warm summer night or indoors on a wintry snow day.
Online courses – The library is always offering classes on a myriad of topics but users can use LinkedIn Learning and Creativebug to learn advanced software, project management, how to crochet, and even tips for party planning.
Blu-ray player – Want to check out Blu-ray discs but don’t have the appropriate player? The library has got you covered. Cardholders can borrow a Blu-ray player from our Library of Things collection.
Language learning – Mango and audiobooks from Libby are a great resource for learning a new language or brushing up on an old one.
For more information about our collections, services and programs, visit our website or ask us. Because, Arthur was right. Having free fun in Princeton is not hard when you’ve got your Princeton Public Library card.