Podcast Summary: Life Kit – "How the local library can save you money"

Host: Mariel Segarra (NPR)
Air Date: October 13, 2025

Overview

This episode of Life Kit shines a spotlight on the surprising range of resources, services, and community benefits local public libraries offer—and how leveraging them can save you money. Host Mariel Segarra chats with librarians Akilah Bhatt and Michael Threets to break down the expansive value of your library, from non-traditional items to legal help to vibrant local events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Library Cards: Your Ticket to (Almost) Everything

• Library cards are free and available to nearly everyone, regardless of age. The signup process is simple, requiring only a quick application and typically proof of residence.
• Libraries welcome everyone, even those without a card—for use of spaces, bathrooms, and sometimes computers or wifi.
• Quote:
  • "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." – Mariel Segarra, introducing the episode ([05:16])

2. Surprising Things You Can Borrow

• Libraries lend much more than books. Depending on the location, items may include:
  • Movies (DVDs & streaming services)
  • Museum passes (free or discounted entry)
  • Video games, board games, musical instruments, baking pans, gardening tools, sewing machines, and even power tools.
  • Some libraries offer seed collections—pick up seeds to start a garden or contribute your own.
• Quotes:
  • "Some libraries have bakeware collections where you can get baking pans." – Michael Threets ([06:58])
  • "Patrons can pick up seeds to start a garden and then drop off seeds for others to take home and plant." – Akilah Bhatt ([07:18])

3. Services That Save You Time and Money

• Classic services: Free computer use, printing (small fee), photocopying, scanning.
• Modern offerings: Tutoring, help with citizenship tests, standardized test prep, database access (like Consumer Reports), language classes (often via online platforms like MangoLang).
• Job and legal help: Volunteers assist with job applications, interview prep, and tax prep. Some libraries offer free appointments with lawyers or social workers for advice on legal, housing, or medical issues.
• Genealogy research: Access to Ancestry.com and historical records.
• Quotes:
  • "We have volunteer lawyers who will meet with people for 15 to 20 minutes at a time on a monthly basis, and then they'll just provide free legal help to people in need." – Michael Threets ([08:44])
  • "You can learn to speak Japanese. You can learn to speak Spanish. You can learn to speak French." – Michael Threets ([08:15])

4. Events and Experiences: More Than Just Quiet Reading

• Examples of events: Workout classes, sound meditations, music concerts (like a mariachi band), author panels, hip hop fashion shows, knitting/cooking/magic workshops, ‘Read to a dog’ programs, LEGO clubs, pet parades.
• Libraries are vibrant community spaces for all ages and interests.
• Quotes:
  • "We have Read to a dog programs where dogs come in with their owners and kids sit there and read to them." – Michael Threets ([11:02])

5. How to Maximize Your Book Borrowing

• Librarians love helping patrons find their next read using your interests in books or movies as a springboard.
• Use library displays for inspiration—they often reflect current events, themes, or special celebrations.
• Digital borrowing with apps like Libby allows you to read ebooks, listen to audiobooks, and stream magazines, directly on your phone or device.
• Tips:
  • Don’t request more books than you can read in a checkout period; it blocks others and adds stress ([14:28]).
  • If lots of holds exist on one version of a book, check for alternate records with shorter wait lists ([14:44]).
• Quotes:
  • "Librarians have a unique way of listening to those conversations and picking different pieces of what they say... relating to books to movies." – Michael Threets ([13:19])
  • "You may find something there that you have never thought you would read." – Akilah Bhatt ([13:44])

6. Library Etiquette: Being a Good Community Member

• Treat borrowed items with care—don’t eat greasy food or read in the bath with library books, and return them on time.
• Libraries may be eliminating late fees to encourage returns, but timely returns ensure access for all.
• Support your library with book or item donations, volunteering your talents, or just spreading positive word of mouth.
• Quotes:
  • "That helps library workers immensely. Just for us to have statistics about how many people have a library card." – Michael Threets on the value of signing up ([16:21])
  • "We have recently thought about making a display out of all the things we find in our books… we found tissues and we found a credit card. Yeah, but tissues are our worst enemies." – Akilah Bhatt ([15:45])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "People always ask me if the barcode actually can scan, and I'm always dismayed to say that it does not. …I saw a picture of Arthur's library card, and I was like, I need that forever." – Michael Threets on his tattoo ([02:03])
• "They would be saving like $145 or $150 or something like that. And they are amazed at that." – Akilah Bhatt on cost-saving receipts ([02:42])
• "I went to one event at the Brooklyn Public Library… A panelist did a close reading of an Andre 3000 verse and I saw a hip hop fashion show and walked around sipping the juice of a giant coconut." – Mariel Segarra ([10:26])
• "Talk about the library to your family, to your friends, to your neighbors, to strangers on the streets, for lack of a better word—annoy people with your enthusiasm for your local library." – Michael Threets ([17:48])
• "We are here to serve you. We are here to help you find what you're looking for. We are here to guide you and we just want to welcome you to our space." – Akilah Bhatt ([18:53])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:16] – How to get a library card: requirements, application process, and free access.
• [06:58] – Beyond books: surprising things you can borrow or use.
• [08:15] – Educational opportunities: learning new languages and job help.
• [10:26] – Fun experiences and events hosted by libraries.
• [12:52] – Tips for using the stacks, online holds, and digital resources.
• [15:02] – Digital content: borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, using Libby.
• [15:39] – Library book care and hygiene.
• [16:21] – Library etiquette and community engagement.
• [18:53] – The essential role of helpful librarians.

Conclusion

Local libraries are dynamic community assets, far more than book repositories. They offer wide-ranging services, practical resources, and experiences that can save individuals and families significant money while strengthening civic ties. The episode ends with a call to make use of your library, support it, treat it (and its staff) kindly, and share your love for it with others.

Final Takeaways

• Get a library card.
• Borrow surprising and useful items.
• Take advantage of events and programs.
• Enjoy digital resources and personalized book recommendations.
• Treat staff and resources with respect.
• Spread the word and support your library however you can.

Life Kit offers a warm, practical, and inspiring guide to rediscovering (and championing) the public library as a vital resource for saving money, learning new things, and building community.