Libraries are sweet, but LAPL is particularly awesome. In terms of free, community-oriented service, nobody outdoes our public libraries. LAPL offers classes, workshops, and a ton of resources for people of all ages. Many of them, including the Downtown and the Westside branches, are great spots to read or work, and importantly, spots for the community to congregate. There is plenty to take advantage of and few people seem to be aware of this under-appreciated public good. I think people sometimes forget just how useful public libraries are. We have this antiquated idea of what a library is when in actuality they are much more than rows of bookcases. There are countless hidden and amazing benefits of getting a library card and checking out your local LAPL, but here’s one (The Burg Team’s personal favorite): For audiobook lovers out there, check out overdrive — an e-book and audiobook service that lets you download LAPL content right to your phone. Information is aplenty in this age and there’s no reason why learning has to exist only in the classroom. We can all become Renaissance folks. Take advantage of your resources, people!

4. Movie Screenings

We live in the land of the big screen, and here in LA we’re right in the heart of the storm. We are fortunate that Hollywood considers the Greater LA Area home for market research. If you look in the right places, you’ll find a countless stream of free movie screenings to attend with die-hard movie buffs. Few things are as “LA” as attending an early screening and often at these events the Director or an Actor will be there to answer questions about their work. If you're new to the area and looking to meet some people, joining a community of "movie insiders" is easy and exciting.

5. Da Poetry Lounge