Library Magic from Home: Free Services That Come to You

Libraries, specifically public libraries, have a long and interesting history. UNESCO recognizes the first public library in the Americas as Biblioteca Palafoxiana in Puebla City, Mexico in 1646. The first free (key word being “free”) public lending library in the United States was established in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1790 with a donation of 116 books from Benjamin Franklin. And here we are, more than 200 years later, fortunate enough to have access to a robust free public library right here in Frankenmuth!

Visiting Wickson for events and services, including checking out books, using the computers, or signing up for programs, is one way to experience the library. However, Wickson also provides many valuable services at no cost for those who may not come to the physical building. Let me tell you about just a few of them:

1. Home Delivery Service: One wonderful service that you may not be aware that Wickson provides is home delivery. For patrons who are unable to come to the library to pick up materials, library staff members will deliver the materials to your door for FREE! If you or someone you know has a temporary or permanent condition that causes them to be homebound, you can call the library or fill out the Home Delivery Service Application to begin service. For anyone who may be generally confined to their residence for any amount of time, books and reading can offer much-needed escape or joy, a way to connect with the outside world. Wickson will help make that happen.

2. Kanopy: Another no-cost service that Wickson offers that does not require you to come to the library is Kanopy. You are likely quite familiar with streaming services that we pay for, such as Netflix, but Kanopy is a free service for library patrons – all you need is a library card. Once you log in with your card on your computer, phone, or other device, you will have access to critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films and more.” Each month you have a certain number of “tickets” that can be used toward content. For example, the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) takes 4 tickets and provides 48-hour access. Even better, the content is ad-free, too! There is also a Kanopy Kids version with unlimited plays.

3. Libby: Another digital service that I personally use every day is Libby, which is a free service for library patrons to check out eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines for all ages. You can customize your reading experience with adjustable text sizes, offline downloads, and seamless syncing across devices. Again, this service is free for library patrons – all you need is a library card.

4. WSJ Digital: Another new Wickson offering for patrons is free access to the Wall Street Journal digital version. Just sign up with your library card to enjoy unlimited access to articles on WSJ.com, a four-year archive/article search, more than 30 newsletters, as well as videos, podcasts and interviews. Again, you can access all of this from your electronic device at home.

I feel incredibly grateful to have access to all that Wickson is able to offer its patrons. Free public libraries have been a staple in my life, something I have likely taken for granted. Over the past 6 months I have learned more and more what it takes to maintain a thriving community staple like a public library, and Wickson is one of the best.