Skip to Content

Get Free Stuff with Your LAPL Card

Get Free Stuff with Your LAPL Card

The Los Angeles Public Library offers some pretty impressive freebies to its patrons. In addition to unlimited access to its collections and books, you’ll also be able to receive access to downloadable e-books, subscription services and more.

What is LAPL?

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is a renowned public library system serving the city of Los Angeles, California. It is the third-largest public library system in the United States, providing access to a vast collection of books, digital resources, and educational programs for its diverse community.

The library system offers a wide range of services, including book lending, research assistance, computer access, cultural events, and literacy programs. This network serves as a valuable resource and community hub, promoting literacy, education, and intellectual growth for residents of all ages.

The Los Angeles Public Library system consists of 73 branch libraries spread throughout the city, along with the iconic Central Library located in downtown Los Angeles.

LAPL Overdrive & Other Digital Services

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) offers a variety of digital services to enhance the library experience for its patrons. Here are some of the digital services provided by the library:

  • eBooks and Audiobooks: The library offers a vast collection of eBooks and audiobooks that can be borrowed and downloaded through platforms like OverDrive, Libby, and hoopla. Patrons can access these digital resources using their library card.
  • eMagazines and eNewspapers: LAPL provides access to a wide range of digital magazines and newspapers through platforms such as RBdigital and PressReader. Patrons can read popular magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals online or download them for offline reading.
  • Online Databases and Research Tools: The library offers access to numerous online databases and research tools covering various subjects such as academic research, genealogy, language learning, and more. Patrons can access these resources remotely using their library card.
  • Streaming Services: LAPL provides access to streaming platforms like Kanopy, which offers a wide selection of movies, documentaries, and educational videos that can be streamed for free with a library card.
  • Digital Learning and Skill-Building: LAPL offers online learning platforms such as Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) and LearningExpress Library, providing courses and tutorials on a wide range of subjects, including technology skills, career development, and test preparation.
  • Online Catalog and Account Management: Patrons can search and request library materials through the library’s online catalog. They can also manage their library accounts, renew materials, place holds, and view due dates online.

Students can also access Live Homework Help through the Los Angeles Public Library. Online tutors are standing by daily between 11am and 11pm for one-on-one assistance with homework and test prep. Whether you’re a kindergartner or an adult learner, over 3,000 online tutors are available to assist you with questions you may have about math, science, English, writing, foreign language and social studies.

Borrow a Computer

At LAPL, you can borrow a Tech2Go Computer Bundle! These bundles include a Chromebook and an internet hotspot. You can keep the devices for up to six months!

Any adult patron with a valid photo ID and a library account in good standing can check out a Tech2Go bundle. You just need to complete the Mobile Device User Agreement before the library will let you take the equipment home.

Museum Passes

Through LAPL Discover & Go, you can access museum passes to many different venues throughout California. This system partners with many different libraries and cultural institutions throughout the state.

You can log into Discover & Go with your LAPL credentials to reserve passes to destinations in your area. You just need to have an adult library card in good standing to use this service.

Some of the Discover & Go partnered institutions include:

  • Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
  • California Botanic Garden
  • Chinese American Museum
  • La Brea Tar Pits Museum
  • LA Opera
  • La Plaza
  • Los Angeles Zoo
  • and more!

You can have up to two active reservations at a time. New passes are released at the beginning of each month, so be sure to check back!

LAPL Labs

If you’d like the chance to create, the Octavia Lab is a DIY studio in the LAPL Central Library. The tools at the library’s labs can be used to help you preserve memories, start a business, complete school projects and so much more.

The library has the following equipment available:

  • 3D printers
  • CNC mills
  • Digital media stations
  • Laser cutters
  • Photography studios
  • Poster printers
  • Recording studios
  • Sewing machines
  • Virtual reality studios
  • Vinyl cutters
  • and more!

This is a great opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment for free! You can get unlimited access to the labs with your LAPL card, although you will need to reserve the spaces you want to use in advance.

Low Income Resources

One of the most helpful services offered by LAPL is their homeless resources and employment services. These tools can help you get a better job, find housing, and stabilize your financial situation.

If you are experiencing homelessness or poverty in Los Angeles, the people at your local library should be able to help.

Summary

LAPL offers a variety of services that can help you save money and get free stuff. From free computers that you can borrow to free museum passes that unlock adventure, your library card can do some incredible things!

This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.