Save $1,200 with Your WCCLS Library Card

Now is a great time to save money with your library card from Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS).

From streaming movies to borrowing specialty equipment and passes, Hillsboro Public Library offers services that can save you hundreds of dollars - or more!

Take a look below at what you can get for free with your WCCLS library card - and what those same things would cost if you didn't have a library card.

Total savings: $1,236.45!

Free services with your WCCLS library card

• Stream movies & TV (Kanopy)
• Borrow DVDs (DVD collection)
• Borrow 5 books (Book collection)
• Borrow a magazine (Magazine collection)
• Take a LinkedIn Learning class (Online resources)
• Brainfuse HelpNow for homework (Online resources)
• Use a 3D printer (The Collaboratory)
• Use a Cricut machine (The Collaboratory)
• Borrow a KitchenAid mixer (Library of Things)
• Borrow a bocce ball set (Library of Things)
• Visit Next Level Pinball (Adventure Pass)
• Visit SHARC or Hidden Creek (Adventure Pass)
• Visit Portland Japanese Garden (Adventure Pass)
  
  

Total cost to you: $0

Total savings: $1,236.45

Paid services without a library card

• Netflix (standard monthly) $17.99
• Disney+ (monthly) $15.99
• Purchase DVD $12.50
• Buy 5 books $61.50
• Buy a magazine $7.50
• Take a LinkedIn Learning class $35
• Hire a tutor for a student $50
• Buy a 3D printer $300
• Buy a Cricut machine $129.99
• Buy a KitchenAid mixer $399.99
• Buy a bocce ball set $24.99
• Visit Next Level Pinball $86
• Visit SHARC or Hidden Creek $17
• Visit Portland Japanese Garden $78
  
  

Total cost of purchases: $1,236.45 (approximate out-of-pocket cost)

Behind the savings

Do you know someone who still thinks libraries only lend books?

They're missing out on the many free services provided by modern public libraries, like Hillsboro Public Library, that serve as community resource centers.

Digital streaming & media: Services like Kanopy and the library's DVD collection let you watch films and TV without subscription fees or purchases.

Online learning: LinkedIn Learning [LINK] and other platforms available through the library offer professional and hobby courses you'd otherwise pay for.

Homework help: Services such as Brainfuse HelpNow [LINK] provide tutoring and homework assistance at no cost.

Library of Things: Reserve household items like KitchenAid mixers, activity kits, and games like a bocce ball set.

Equipment: Instead of buying expensive tools (Cricut machines, mixers, or a 3D printer), you can use the Collaboratory's equipment for projects. [LINK to Collaboratory]

Museum/attraction passes: Checkout Adventure Passes for free entrance to local attractions - great for family outings without the price tag.

Add those one-off costs and subscription fees together, and you will see the value of a WCCLS library card is substantial.

5 steps to start saving

1. Get a library card. It's free if you live in the library's service area - bring photo ID and proof of your current address.
2. Explore the online catalog & digital resources. Look for Kanopy, Libby, LinkedIn Learning, and Brainfuse on the library's website. [LINKS]
3. Reserve equipment & passes. Adventure Passes require a reservation. Some Collaboratory (makerspace) tools require a brief orientation.
4. Ask staff. Librarians can point you to hidden resources (equipment loan policies, eligibility for passes, and upcoming classes).
5. Follow the library! Social media, email, and print newsletters announce new tools, workshops, and seasonal promotions.