Before I say this: I am pro piracy. I believe in getting art into the hands of people who need it, especially when the systems in place make it inaccessible.
BUT. If you are in the U.S. (and maybe elsewhere, but I can only speak to here), please check your local library first.
Libraries thrive on stats. Not just like, vibes or community goodwill—actual measurable usage. That means how many materials are checked out, how many digital logins, audiobook downloads, database clicks, etc. And those numbers? They get dragged into budget meetings.
When local politicians or city officials or whoever sit down and go “hmm, does this library need funding?” they don’t pull out heartwarming testimonials from patrons—they pull out spreadsheets. They look at circulation stats and go “well I guess the library isn’t that necessary if only 800 people checked out books last month.” Even if 1,000 people sat in the AC during a heat wave or used the Wi-Fi to file for unemployment.
So
Need a book? Check your library catalog.
Want an audiobook or eBook? Look into apps like Libby or Hoopla—tons of libraries have digital access for free.
Got a weird niche research question? Use your library’s online databases, I promise it makes the reference librarians SO happy.
Can't find what you’re looking for? Ask about interlibrary loans.
Libraries often have partnerships with other libraries—mine, for example, is connected to both all the other branches in the county and the local community college. That means if a nearby library in the system has the thing you’re after, they’ll just send it over, usually within a few days. It’s like secret bonus inventory. Magic.
Want to watch a movie or try a new game? Some libraries even stock DVDs and video games—my local one has started carrying Nintendo Switch games.
Basically, using your library = direct support. It’s one of the few public institutions left that runs on community use rather than profit, and they are constantly under threat of being cut, censored, or gutted.
Anyway.
Libraries are cool. Use ‘em.
(there's a fascinating history of the American public library here if your interested)
Also, side note: I have a whole separate post about U.S. public broadcasting (PBS) and why you should support that too—it's through the lens of Doctor Who history, because PBS is why the show even got brought to the U.S. in the first place. But even outside the Whoniverse, PBS is massively important for free educational and arts programming. It deserves to be protected just as much as your local library.
