Inti Navia 
Is buying all of your books getting expensive? There’s a pretty simple solution. Libraries!
They’re all over Chicago, and still it seems like they’re relatively underutilized. Not only can you get all your books for free, but you can study and do your homework, using the computers they have, and even borrow movies! Scroll through the movies on the Chicago Public Library website; it seems like their selections are kept pretty up to date, too.
Been meaning to check out “The Flash,” “No Hard Feelings,” or “Fast X”? They have that. You don’t even have to make sure your local library has them in stock, either. You can order in books or movies, and they keep them on hold for you until you come in and grab them.
There are also some libraries that have rooms where teens can come and use the Switches and Playstations they have there. On top of that, there are board games, 3D printers, and more. Not all of the libraries have these spaces, but it’s always worth a check. It’s a great place to hang out after school too.
All you need for any of this stuff is a library card, and it’s ridiculously easy to get one. All you need is a valid ID and a Chicago address. After that, all the resources of the library are yours!
They’ve even changed their policy in recent years regarding late return fees. If you have some overdue books, you still owe the money, but you don’t have to pay the fee immediately to check out more books. That means if you accidentally forget to return a few good reads on time, you don’t have to worry about being able to afford it to keep going to the library.
There’s no reason not to check out one of Chicago’s 77 libraries. Why spend 30 bucks at Barnes and Noble? Go to the library instead! You won’t regret it.
By Inti Navia, Freshman, Columbia College Chicago
All Platforms: @intinavia
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