Hidden Treasures for Freelancers at Your Local Library

This blog was originally shared on July 8, 2024. With the relaunch of our website (www.curateimpact.co), we are reposting our blogs on the new website and on LinkedIn.

Libraries are a sweet sanctuary in this season with summer reading in full swing, but did you know that libraries are also a treasure trove for free resources for business owners, too? Every local library has different offerings, so I encourage you to do some research on your own library’s offerings, but here are 5 ways that most freelancers can utilize your local library:

1. Books, Magazines, Newspapers, and Other Resources

One of the most obvious ways to use the library is to check out books. Trying to establish your business entity? Building a website? Chances are, there are books specific to any challenge you’re facing. Or, If you have a local business, you may want to keep tabs on what’s going on locally via the newspapers library. And if you have a creative business, magazines are a great resource to spark fresh ideas and get the creative juices flowing. 

Not only are books, magazines and newspapers available, but chances are your library has other resources specific to starting and growing a business. Many libraries offer free access to online research databases, guidelines for creating a business or marketing plan, tax resources, or databases to help you grow a mailing or sales call list. Check out your library’s website to see if there are any resources tailored specifically to business owners to see what is available. You may also find that your local branch has a business librarian who can help you locate the best resources to find answers to your business questions. 

2. Workspace and Meeting Space
As a freelancer, you have the freedom to work when and where you want, and one of my favorite places to work is the local library. Not only does it give me a quiet place to work, but I find comfort in being surrounded by other professionals who are doing the same. It’s like a free co-working space! Using the library as a workspace also allows me to take advantage of small spurts of time after a school drop-off or in between appointments. Rather than trying to kill time, I’ll plug in at the nearest library and catch up on work. 

The library is also a great meeting space. Many libraries offer free meeting rooms, some even with screens, whiteboards, etc. for presentations, making it a great place to convene if you want to meet in person with a client or prospect. Just contact your local branch to learn the rules and regulations for reserving a room. 

3. Internet Access and Other Technology 

An added bonus of using the library as a workspace is the free wi-fi. Some libraries even offer free mobile hotspots that can be checked out so you can have a secure and private connection for use at the library or anywhere, really! Mobile hotspots have been a lifesaver for me as a freelancer to be able to maximize work time, especially when on the go. 

Though most business can be conducted online, on occasion, a freelancer or small business owner may find that they need access to a printer or copier. Rather than incurring the cost of this machine for their home office, they can utilize these services for a small fee at their local library. And on the even rarer occasion that you need to (gasp!) fax something, your library may have you covered for that as well! 

Some libraries even offer niche software, like Adobe Suite, for you to utilize. If you have a specific project or one-time need for a specific software, see what resources your library offers before investing in a license that may only get used once. This would also be a great opportunity for you to “try before you buy” to ensure that you understand the software or technology before investing in it for your own business needs.

4. Professional Development and Learning Opportunities 
Speaking of investments, libraries are a great resource for your business’ most important investment - you! Libraries often offer events and workshops that are valuable for freelancers and small business owners, like spotlights on specific tech tools, how-to-workshops on launching a business, or networking events. 

Your local library may even have a partnership with online courses, such as LinkedIn Learning, where you can sign up to learn a new skill online, allowing you to grow and expand your business. 

5. Networking and Mentorship 

Whether it happens via an organized library event or workshop or organically when using the library for its resources or workspace, the library is a great place to network with other professionals and local business owners. 
Some libraries can even point you to resources for business mentorship. These resources can partner new business owners with experienced entrepreneurs and professionals who are willing to volunteer their time, experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start and grow their business. 

The possibilities are nearly endless of how you can leverage your local library to help your small business or freelancing career. I encourage you to pay your local library a visit soon, or at least peruse their website, to see how your branch can help you achieve your goals for yourself or your small business! 

Meet the Author: Tori Hennis is an Communications, Operations and Talent expert who has spent the past 15 years honing her skills in these areas by leveraging technology and communication to optimize processes, manage complexity, and amplify results. She is currently utilizing these skills as a freelance Operations Manager. 

Connect with Tori: Via LinkedIn or via email.