When Bloomsbury Publishing decided to publish an unknown author with a story that seemed to go against every rule in children’s publishing at the time, they set off a domino effect of global societal impacts that are still felt today. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, otherwise known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was published June 26, 1997. The first movie by the same name later debuted November 14, 2001. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final installment in the Harry Potter franchise, was published July 14, 2007. The final movie debuted July 15, 2011.

Where can you find an unlimited number of worlds to explore, the newest technology at your finger tips and the latest songs and movies— all for free? That's right, the library!

Unfortunately, libraries remain one of the best kept secrets of many cities. Community members are often not aware of all of the services available to them through their local library. To so many, the library starts and ends with books. Though the books offered are a wonderful resource, and are enough of a reason to get a library card, there are plenty of other reasons to love your local library.

In honor of National Library Week, here are five reasons to visit your local library: