As the Eastern Oklahoma Library System wraps up Library Card Sign-Up Month, I want to share with everyone some of the unbelievable perks of having a library card.

First—they’re free, and there are no late fees for turning in items late. I’m not advocating for you to take your time turning stuff in, though. I hate waiting my turn to get a good book in hand, so be kind and turn those beauties in when you’re done reading, please.

Even better: you can borrow e-books, audiobooks, music, movies, graphic novels, and magazines using your library card—and you don’t even have to leave home to return virtual items. That is correct, surprising though it is. You don’t have to pay for books for your e-reader anymore—not even new releases!

More perks include free use of databases and websites that normally pinch your wallet. You can use Ancestry’s genealogy software for free as long as you’re at any of our libraries even if you’re just using the libraries’ free Wi-Fi in the parking lot. HistoryGeo is the same, and a valuable resource to look up early land ownership and plat maps that make finding ancestors much easier.

Muskogee Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. That means, that when you use FamilySearch’s digital catalog at the library or while using its Wi-Fi, you have access to more than 400,000 additional genealogy resources you can’t access anywhere else.

Websites like WorldCat can be used for free from home with a library card, and it includes a slew of great educational activities and games for all ages. It’s a great resource for homeschooling families or anyone who wants to help their kids brush up on academic skills.

Here’s how to get a card and access all these great perks and many more:

• Download the Eastern Oklahoma Library System app for iOS or Android and register for a temporary online card. You can start using online resources right away, then go to your nearest library to get your permanent card. You just need to show proof of address that you live in either Adair, Cherokee, Delaware, McIntosh, Muskogee, or Sequoyah counties.
• Download one of the reading apps such as Libby and/or Hoopla at eols.org/download-and-stream to access virtual library items.
• Learn more about genealogy research and find links to amazing databases at eols.org/genealogy.
• Find free homework help, including live, online tutoring for ages kindergarten through college at eols.org/homework-help.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention our “Library of Things.” Each library has its own collection of unusual items you can borrow, including fishing poles, ukuleles, Cricut machines, exercise equipment, board games, video games, and more. Call your local library and ask them what they have in their unique collection.

That’s all I have to share this time, but it’s also just the tip of the iceberg. Sounds to me like more than enough reasons for you to get your library card right away, though.