LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In 2023, what can help you save money, kickstart a reading habit, learn a professional skill, and provide you with language-learning software — all without any cost to you? A library card, of course.

Without even leaving the comfort of your own home, a free library card can unlock a whole new world of fun and useful resources.

With a library card, patrons can do all the following:

• Ditch paid audiobook services and use free eAudiobooks, mp3 players, or books on CD. Readers can also access eBooks — or physical books — for free.
• Avoid rising prices by accessing the library’s apps, physical DVDs, and Wi-Fi hotspots for free.
• Feed their manga habits without breaking the bank. And why not learn Japanese, while they’re at it?
• Brush up on their Spanish, learn English, or explore a variety of other languages.
• Take a class on Skillshare.
• Access the New York Times digitally without paying for a subscription.
• Join a book club, creative club, garden club, etc., in person or via Zoom.
• Take virtual arts and crafts classes at the beginner to advanced level.
• Borrow a Chromebook.

The possibilities are endless. The California State Library has recorded that 21 million Californians have library cards. From seniors to homeschooling families, the library offers premium, free resources to everyone.

All you need is a Lake County Library card, and library cards are easier to get than ever before. Residents can visit their local library branch, can call their local branch over the phone, or can visit the library website and apply online.

The address of the library website is http://library.lakecountyca.gov.

Visit your local branch during September and take advantage of the array of free resources available.

Lakeport Library
1425 N. High St.
Lakeport, CA 95453
707-263-8817
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Redbud Library (Clearlake)
14785 Burns Valley Road
Clearlake, CA 95422
707-994-5115
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Middletown Library
21256 Washington St.
Middletown, CA 95461
707- 987-3674
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Upper Lake Library
310 Second St.
Upper Lake, CA 95485
707-275-2049
Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the Lake County Library Website at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.