Library cards turn into savings tools as Brooklyn adds 150K members in 2025

A library card is becoming an unexpected money-saving tool for Americans, as public libraries expand beyond books and offer access to free entertainment, technology help, community services and, in some places, discounts at local businesses.In Glenview, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, the local library partnered with businesses during September's Library Card Sign-Up Month to offer special deals to cardholders. Offers included discounts on purchases and services, with one deal offering 10% off wine and another providing a free month of robotics classes, according to Fortune.The initiative comes as Americans continue to deal with rising household costs. Consumer prices were up 3.4% over the previous year, according to data cited by Fortune, making free or discounted services increasingly attractive to households looking to reduce spending.