Since its humble beginnings in 1869, the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) has offered information, resources and a safe public space to curious Clevelanders. While libraries around the world were built as homes for written works, 21st century innovations have forced libraries to adapt to stay relevant.

CPL, with its nearly 30 branches, is one such library system that has adapted to the changing needs of its community.

Even if you are not an avid reader, having a library card can be advantageous. Here are five unique perks for Cleveland library card holders. 

Get your favorite movies, TV shows, albums and audiobooks on your personal device

Cleveland library card holders automatically have access to multiple streaming services.

Kanopy is a movie streaming service that is 100% free due to its partnership with libraries and colleges nationwide. 

It boasts titles from modern Oscar winners such as “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and “Past Lives” to classic cinema starring performers such as Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn and Elvis.

If you already have a Cleveland library card, sign up for Kanopy here by plugging in your card number and pin.

Hoopla is another option to stream movies and television shows. However, the real perk of this service is the chance to check out any digital album you want. 

The service has everything from pop music, such as Taylor Swift’s discography, to all-time great albums from artists such as Dr. Dre or James Taylor.

Sign up for Hoopla here by plugging in your library card number and pin.

Libby is an offering for ebook readers and audiobook listeners. With more than 200,000 ebooks, 80,000 audiobooks and 50,000 magazines, library card holders can get the traditional library experience from their personal device at home.

You can start checking out media by plugging in your Cleveland library card number on Libby here.

Create something new at Cleveland library main branch

Artists, small business owners and everyday hobbyists will enjoy TechCentral, CPL main branch’s “Makerspace.” 

Here, library card holders can use a direct-to-garment printer to make graphic t-shirts, a 3D-printer for art projects and beyond, and a laser engraver for things such as business signage or even a personalized charcuterie board.

It is free to use the equipment, but patrons must pay for all materials used in the Makerspace, like tshirts, wood and 3D-printing filament.

It is suggested that you reserve machines before heading to the library to start a project.

Call the Makerspace at 216-623-2980 with any questions.

Start a garden

Through the Cleveland Seed Bank, library card holders have the opportunity to “check out” seed packets.

This summer, CPL branches have the following varietals in stock: 

• Genovese Basil
• Provider Bush Bean
• Champion Collards
• Green Finger Cucumber
• Ping Ting Long Eggplant
• Lacinato Kale
• Australe Lettuce
• Salad Bowl Lettuce
• Common Milkweed
• Sweet Gem Sugar Snap Pea / Cascadia Snap Pea
• Early Jalapeno Hot Pepper / Ring-O-Fire Cayenne Pepper
• King of the North Sweet Pepper / Iko Iko Bell Pepper
• New England Pie Pumpkin
• Butterflay Spinach / Giant Winter Spinach
• Butterbaby Squash / Brûlée Butternut Squash
• Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash
• Rose de Berne Tomato
• San Marzano Paste Tomato
• Supernova Cherry Tomato
• Dark Green Zucchini

According to the CPL website, “Increasing self-reliance, fostering a connection to the land, and experiencing bounty are all reasons to celebrate seeds. One seed can yield tens of thousands more and Seed Libraries can encourage a greater appreciation of the resilience of nature.”

Connect to a mobile hotspot

A grant from The Cleveland Foundation and Emergency Connectivity Fund allows CPL card holders to check out the internet.

A portable device called a mobile hotspot allows anyone with a WiFi-enabled device to connect to broadband internet.

Clevelanders 18 years and older with a library card in good standing can check out one mobile hotspot at any branch for 21 days at a time.

Own a bit of Cleveland history

Have you ever wondered what your Cleveland home looked like when it was first built? Turns out, there is likely a picture of it in CPL’s photography collection.

On the fourth floor of the Superior Avenue main branch, 1.4 million photographs are filed away. Here, helpful librarians can help you sort through the treasures to find what you’re looking for. 

Thanks to efforts of decades of Cleveland Board of Zoning officials, many of Cleveland’s historic homes were photographed when first built. 

If you find your house, or any other Cleveland-related scene you may be looking for, the library will email you a digital copy that you can get printed from any photo printing service such as Walgreens or Shutterfly.

Learn more from a Cleveland librarian

This list of unexpected ways to use your Cleveland library card is not exhaustive. From learning a new language to viewing local art or working on your car, the amount of information and resources found at your local library is endless.

Not sure where to start? Librarians are typically extremely educated and passionate about their work. Stop in to your local library to chat with one.

Don’t have a library card? CPL makes it simple to get one. Apply for a card online here.