10 Library Hacks You Might Not Know About – From the Saint Paul Community to You

We asked, and Saint Paul answered.

Inspired by a viral social media trend about life hacks, we put out the call: “Tell us your best library hacks. I’m talking about something people never expect from the library. GIVE US THE REAL STUFF.” And wow—our community showed up.

Here are just a few of the fantastic library hacks you shared with us—along with how you can try them out yourself. The 10 hacks listed here just scratch the surface. Check out the original post on Facebook or Instagram for more tips straight from fellow library users!

1 - Get Free Tickets to Local Arts & Culture
Your library card is your ticket to live music, theater, museums, and more.

Thanks to smARTpass, library users can access free or discounted admission to tons of arts experiences—including events at places like the Children’s Theater Company, the CAT Museum, and even First Avenue.

No, this isn’t just for kids. Yes, this is real. Go claim those tickets!

2 - Access Newspapers and Magazines
Use our Digital Library to get free access to local and national newspapers like the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and New York Times. Even get access to newly available Consumer Reports! Also in the Digital Library, find e-books, downloadable magazines, audiobooks, learning tools, online research resources and more!

Love magazines? Skip the subscriptions and the recycling pile. Borrow full-color digital magazines anytime—for free—and save money and paper in the process.

3 - Listen to Audiobooks for Free
It’s 2025. Why pay for audiobooks?

Download the Libby app, connect your SPPL card, and dive into our audiobook collection—for free. Prefer physical formats? We’ve got Playaways and books on CD too.

4 - Reserve Study Rooms for Calls, Interviews, and Quiet Time
Need a quiet space for a virtual meeting or just to focus? You can reserve study rooms online, by phone, or in person up to 14 days in advance. If you need something day-of, call and ask about availability or walk-ins are first-come first-served if space is available.

A story from a patron: “I called ahead once and made a reservation... Before hanging up, the librarian said, ‘Good luck!’ I still think about that small interaction years later.”

5 - Request Books, Movies, and More
Can’t find what you’re looking for in the catalog? Ask us to get it!

Use our Suggest a Purchase form to request new books, DVDs, or other media for the library to consider purchasing. You can suggest up to 4 titles per month.

6 - Use Your Library Card Across the Metro
Your SPPL card isn’t just good in Saint Paul. It works across the entire Twin Cities metro thanks to our shared regional system, MELSA. That’s eight library systems, over 100 library locations, all on one card.

7 - Learn over 100 Languages (Without Ads or Fees)
Transparent Language is free with your library card and includes over 100 languages—all ad-free. Download the app or access it online to make an account and keep track of your progress.

8 - Get Notified About Book Releases
Waiting for a new release? Don’t refresh the catalog over and over.

Tag the book in Libby and get notified the minute it hits our shelves. If you’re quick, you can borrow it right away—or hop on the hold list early. 

9 - 3D print, Laser Engrave, and More at the Innovation Lab
The Innovation Lab is a gem for makers, entrepreneurs, tinkers, and anyone looking for a fun hands-on activity. Become a member for free and gain access to 3D printers, laser engravers, MacBooks, sewing machines, and more.

To become a member, you must:

• Be 18+
• Have a library card in good standing (no more than $10 in fees)
• Complete a quick orientation

10 - Low-cost Printing and Notary Services, Fax and Scan for Free!
Whether it’s a resume or D&D character sheet, printing at the library is low-cost and easy. Print at any of our locations (excluding the Mobile Library).

Need to fax or scan? Do it for free any location (excluding West 7th and the Mobile Library). 

Need a notary? Most locations offer it for just $1 per document—just call ahead to check availability.

Honorable Mentions:

• Recharge, refocus, and refresh at the Library by enjoying free AC in the summer, free WiFi, a place to sit, outlets to charge your devices, and public bathrooms – no library card needed!
• Use the Libby app to read books on your phone (great for travel!)
• Browse the “Lucky Day” collection to snag popular books and movies – only available in person.
• Check out a State Parks Pass to visit any Minnesota state park for free.
• Every Saint Paul Public School student can use their student ID to check out materials through Library Go.

Have a library hack of your own? Let us know! In the meantime, happy hacking.