Many libraries pay for access to online learning platforms so cardholders don't have to. Offerings can include video courses in business software, coding, design, photography and personal finance, along with interactive language programs covering dozens of languages. Some even include exam prep and skills assessments.

Because these services are often sold by subscription elsewhere, getting them through your library can be a meaningful saving if you're trying to build skills for work or a hobby. You usually log in from home with your card number and a PIN, so there's no need to visit a branch at all.

Browse your library's website for a section called something like online resources, databases or e-learning. Some courses offer certificates of completion, which you might add to a resume, though they're not the same as formal credentials. If you're unsure where to start, a librarian can suggest a course based on what you want to learn.