Did you know you can get free, unlimited access to NYTimes.com — including the popular New York Times Cooking section — through most public libraries? That’s a savings of up to $75 per year. Even better, the Simplified Chinese edition of the New York Times is included.
To get started, create a free NYT account using your library card. I was able to sign up through our local library in the SF Peninsula area using a special link. (Note: This link will only work if you live in that specific region.) To find your library’s access, try searching:
“free New York Times public library access + your city or state”
I found sign-up links for libraries across multiple states and even Toronto. Unfortunately, there isn’t a central landing page for this offer, which makes the search a bit trickier.
To switch to the Chinese edition, log into newyorktimes.com, click on Account, then select “中文” from the drop-down menu.
Why Your Public Library Is a Hidden Gem
Your local library is an incredible resource beyond just news access. Many libraries offer free museum and attraction passes, and a wide range of Chinese books and learning materials. Ours even hosts Mandarin story time and community events.
For those in rural areas, consider using Interlibrary Loan — a program that lets you borrow books your library doesn’t carry. I learned about it through a fellow mom in a Chinese/Montessori Facebook group.
Not everyone has the budget or shelf space for the books they want. As a library patron, I’ve saved hundreds of dollars and made meaningful connections with other families.
