Whether you visit the library regularly or if it’s been a long time, there is a good chance that you may not be aware of all the Kenton County Public Library card perks.
When my kids were younger I frequented the library more often and took advantage of more programs.
Now that my kids are in college it’s time to revisit programs and perks more beneficial in this season of life.
Regardless of what stage of life you’re in, the library has a lot of free resources and programs available to you.
This article is written in partnership with the Kenton County Public Library.
Did You Know?….
I’ll admit, I was unaware of most of the perks and benefits of using my library card listed below before researching for this article.
You Don’t Have to Live in Kenton County to Get a Kenton County Public Library Card.
Yes, you may be eligible for a card if you live in the nearby counties of Kentucky and Ohio.
There Are No More Late Fees for Books at the Kenton County Public Library!
That’s right; there are no more late fees for books! If you lose a book there is a replacement fee.
Fines still apply to Empower Tools. A charge may be applied to your account if an item is overdue by 30 or more days. You will be charged for the item if it is not returned.
You Can Check Out Non-Books From The Library of Things
The Library of Things has a variety of items that you can borrow including tools, electronics, yard tools, telescopes, yard games, and more!
Resources For Your Next Job Interview
If you’ve been downsized or outsourced recently check out the Northern Kentucky Accountability Group, a job search support group, to get started on your career path.
You can get help with fine-tuning your interviewing skills with a Career Navigator.
Stream Music, Videos, E-books, and Audiobooks for Free
You can access Hoopla and Libby with your library card.
Access to Kanopy Video Streaming Service
You get 15 free monthly tickets for Kanopy featuring movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, and more.
Access to Tool Lending Service
Empower Tools loans up to 3 items at a time for up to 7 days for library card holders.
Can Get Tutoring Help 7 Days a Week
Free online homework tutors are available daily from 11AM- 9PM.
Free Crafty Online Classes
You can take up a new hobby or advance in arts and crafts with full video tutorials created by experts on Creativebug.
Record Your Family’s History
You can use equipment from an Oral History Kit to document your family’s history.
Learn a New Language
The free online tool Mango Languages is an app that can help you learn another language.
Take an Instructor-Led Course
The instructor-led 6-week classes from Gale Courses are online and new sessions begin each month.
Access to Legal Forms
The Legal Forms Database provides access to free legal forms for wills, power of attorney, leases, and more.
Research For an Upcoming Purchase
Library card users can access online resources from Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization providing unbiased product ratings and reviews on cars, appliances, electronics, and more.
Age Specific Programming and Designated Children’s and Teen Areas at the Kenton County Public Library
Each Kenton County Library Branch has designated children and teen sections.
Special programming and events for children, tweens, and teens are ongoing at each branch.
Adults also have special programming and events each month.
Access to Meeting Rooms and Study Rooms
Meeting or Study rooms are available at all locations and you can check them out free of charge.
You’ll need to allow 48-72 business hours for a response to your meeting room request.
Create at the STREAM Center at Erlanger and Covington Branches of the Kenton County Public Library
You can get creative at the Erlanger and Covington Branches.
The STREAM Center stands for (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art & Math) and it’s a place to create, be creative and learn new skills. The STREAM Center combines hands-on learning and digital technology.
You can see the full list of STREAM equipment here and you’re only charged for the materials used.
If you haven’t used the equipment before you’ll need to schedule a training 48 hours in advance with staff. You can check the schedule for upcoming free classes too.
You can check out the custom coasters I made at the Covington Branch here.
Dive Deeper in Family History at the Local History and Genealogy Department
You can take a deeper dive into your family history or the history of the area at the Covington Branch.
You can contact the library to request help with your genealogy and local history research or to schedule a one-on-one research assistance appointment.
You Can Try It Before You Buy It At the Kenton County Public Library
You can save money by trying items and classes before you commit to purchasing the item or classes.
Did you know the library has video games, books, movies, 3-D printers, yoga and Zumba classes, knitting, etc.
National Library Card Signup Month Starts Sept. 1
If it’s been a while since your last visit to the library you can renew your card.
What Do You Need for a Kenton County Public Library Card?
You can fill out a library card application online for first-time cardholders.
If you lost your library card, it can be replaced at any Kenton County Public Library branch.
Library Cards Have an Expiration
- Kenton County residents are issued cards that are good for 3 years.
- Non-residents and educators are issued cards good for 1 year.
- Adult Limited accounts expire 180 days from the date of issue. Juvenile Limited accounts expire 1 year after the date of issue.
Where Are the Kenton County Public Library Branches Located?
- Erlanger Branch – 401 Kenton Lands Rd, Erlanger, KY
- Independence Branch – 1992 Walton Nicholson Rd, Independence, KY
- Covington Branch – 502 Scott St, Covington, KY
