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Using Your Library’s Digital Tools: Free Books, Movies, and More
Trivia: Which natural phenomenon creates “fire rainbows”?
RetireHub
February 24, 2026
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Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Tuesday newsletter is here!
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What We’re Reading
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 | By: Lynn Messina At twenty-six and resigned to spinsterhood, Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare lives quietly on her relatives’ charity—until a country house invitation disrupts her carefully contained world. When she discovers a fellow guest dead and suspects foul play despite the official ruling of suicide, her sharp mind refuses to stay silent. Determined to uncover the truth, Bea sets aside propriety and embraces some decidedly unladylike sleuthing. |
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On this day in 1980, the United States Olympic hockey team, famously known as the “Miracle on Ice,” defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union 4-3 at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The unexpected victory became one of the most iconic moments in sports history, symbolizing teamwork, determination, and national pride.
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Using Your Library’s Digital Tools: Free Books, Movies, and More
Your local library is no longer just a place to browse shelves and check out physical books. With the rise of digital resources, many libraries now offer a wide range of tools that let you access books, movies, music, magazines, and even online courses—all from the comfort of your home. If you’ve never explored these services, now is the perfect time to see how much your library has to offer.
One of the most popular digital tools is e-books and audiobooks. Apps like Libby, OverDrive, and Hoopla allow you to borrow hundreds of titles for free using your library card. Whether you’re looking for the latest bestseller, a classic novel, or an engaging audiobook for your daily walk, these apps make it easy to enjoy literature on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. The best part? No late fees or trips to the library required.
Movies and TV shows are another perk. Many libraries partner with streaming platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla, giving you free access to thousands of films—from award-winning documentaries to family favorites and indie gems. It’s an excellent way to catch up on classics or discover something new without spending a dime on rentals or subscriptions.
Libraries also offer digital magazines, music, and newspapers. Whether you enjoy cooking tips, travel inspiration, or current events, you can access them online for free. Some libraries even provide access to online learning platforms like Lynda.com or Gale Courses, offering classes in everything from photography to personal finance. These resources are perfect for lifelong learners looking to expand their skills or explore a hobby.
To get started, all you need is a valid library card. Then, download the relevant apps, create an account, and start browsing. Most apps provide helpful tutorials or search filters so you can quickly find what you’re looking for. If you’re unsure about how to use these tools, librarians are always available to guide you through the process, either in person or virtually.
Digital library services are a valuable, cost-free way to enrich your life, whether you love reading, learning, or discovering new forms of entertainment. By exploring what your library offers online, you may find yourself wondering how you ever lived without it.
Which digital library tools do you use most often? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Many of our readers are already enjoying retirement, so we’d love to hear about your real-life experience:
It’s clear that retirement brings a variety of mortgage experiences! Over a third of our readers (36%) paid off their mortgage before retiring and are enjoying the peace of mind it brings, while nearly 30% continued carrying a mortgage without any issues. Others paid off their mortgage after retiring, never had one, or are still deciding, showing that there’s no single “right” path—just the one that works best for your lifestyle and goals. Thanks to everyone who shared their story and helped paint a real-life picture of retirement financial choices!
TOP COMMENTS
“Why would anyone pay off a 2.125% mortgage while making 8% return? Negative equity doesn't work for me.”
“After multiple refis we still owe more on a home that should have been paid for years ago. At the time we thought it had to be done. We are definitely regretting those decisions now. At least we were able to give the correct advice to our children. No one offered that critical home buying information to us. Now, I cannot live my retirement dream. A small piece of land with my own designed home built. It’s terribly frustrating and sad. 😔”
“My interest rate is 2.8. I have steady income and would rather invest my money in longterm investments.”
“Being able to retire at age 55 with no mortgage is a blessing”
“Sold the house, pulled up roots, moved out of state, now renting. Love the freedom! The 3 Rs...retirement, relocation, rent.”
“We were hoping to pay off the mortgage before I retired (my wife was forced to retire for health reasons several years ago). I was at a point, with a new security company taking over our site, that was making it difficult to continue. The interest rate isn't terrible, and the payment is low enough, I think we'll be good.”
“I currently rent.”
“Always paid $100 extra a month, so was able to pay off mortgage long before we retired. It was definitely a great feeling to be debt free.”
Why Meaning Matters More Than Purpose After 60
As many of us enter a phase of life free from the obligations that once defined our days—work, caregiving, keeping everyone else on track—we’re often left wondering what comes next. For some, the traditional idea of a “purpose” can feel limiting or tied to past roles, while the more flexible notion of meaning opens the door to joy, curiosity, and personal fulfillment on our own terms. Instead of chasing goals or duties, this perspective suggests exploring what brings you a sense of vitality and happiness now, whether that’s creative expression, connection with others, trying something new, or simply noticing what stirs your heart.
Meaning isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all destination—it’s something each person discovers by noticing what feels true and energizing in the present moment. This might feel exciting, a little scary, or even perplexing at first, especially if you’re used to living for others’ expectations. But with time and gentle exploration, many find that this new chapter can become richer and more satisfying than they ever imagined.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Star power
Meaning: “Star power” refers to the special charm, talent, or fame that makes a person stand out and attract attention, often in entertainment or public life.
In a sentence: “Even at the community talent show, Mrs. Jenkins brought her full star power to the stage, captivating everyone with her piano performance and infectious smile.”
Good News of the Day
Generous Gift of Gold Helps Osaka Tackle Aging Water System
In a remarkable act of civic generosity, an anonymous donor gave the city of Osaka 21 kilograms (about 46 pounds) of gold bars—valued at roughly 560 million yen (about $3.6 million)—specifically to fund repairs to its aging municipal water pipes. Officials say the donation, which was handed to the Osaka City Waterworks Bureau and publicly disclosed in February, will be used to replace sections of deteriorating infrastructure that have been prone to leaks and other issues. Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama described the gift as “staggering” and confirmed the city will honor the donor’s wishes as it works to strengthen the essential water system for its 2.8 million residents.
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RetireHub Trivia
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Want more trivia? Sign up for RetireHub Premium and play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
What is the name of the system used to identify earthquakes by magnitude? |
Which river is the longest entirely in Europe? |
Which natural phenomenon creates “fire rainbows”? |
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A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication.
As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below.
If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day.
If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet.
- Jay
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