Reading is fun and educational. Books at the store are expensive. But there's this way cool place called a library where you can read books for free. You can even take them home with you! All you have to do is get a library card, which is also free. Crazy, right?

The idea of a public library has been around for about a century and a half. Los Angeles, megalopolis that it is, put that idea on Barry Bonds juice. The Los Angeles Public Library has a central branch in downtown LA and smaller branches all over the city. The local branches have a decent selection of popular and useful books, and if your local branch doesn't have what you want, you can order it from the central branch and they'll send it over to your branch. All of this can be done online, from browsing the shelves to finding out when your book has arrived, and then renewing it when you forget it on the couch. To get a library card, you just need to be a resident of California and show some ID.

Not in LA proper? Fun fact: LA County is made up of 88 incorporated cities and various unincorporated areas. 51 of those cities and many of those areas are covered by the County of Los Angeles Public Library system. All residents of California can get a card.

If you're nearby, or even if you aren't, the Beverly Hills Public Library is also a good bet. As the public library for the much smaller City of Beverly Hills, this single branch services the whole city, and residents of surrounding cities, and does it well. The cavernous building has an extensive children's section, non-circulating arts section, and really great couches. To get a free library card from Beverly Hills, you must be a resident of LA or Orange County.

And the library doesn't just have books. You can also check out movies on DVD or VHS, music CDs, comic books, and audiobooks. Check to see what the restrictions and late fees are for the various items so you don't end up spending money on free things.

If you don't have a card, don't want to lug books home, or just want to get a change of place, all are welcome to read and chill in the library itself. The LA Library's central branch is a stunning work of architecture and a great place to visit, should you find parking. The Beverly Hills Library is also beautiful, has free parking for some number of hours, and the complex, which includes Beverly Hills City Hall, police department, and fire department, has some great places to walk and sit. All of these libraries have special events, speakers, and classes, many of which are free. Check your library's website for details.

If you are too poor to pay for your own internet service, the library has that too, both on their computers and on wireless waves shooting through the air. The internet is like a library anyway, but digital, and with more porn. Hooray for reading!