A Nobles student ID can be easy to overlook. Students are never really told what it does or why they have one; it really just looks like a piece of plastic with a school picture on it. However, a Nobles student ID card carries many more perks beyond campus than one might know.
One of the largest tools provided to students by the Putnam Library is free access to The New York Times (NYT). Through a Nobles student account, each student can read articles and use features such as the NYT Games without purchasing a subscription. Whether it’s for research, staying informed on current events, or simply completing the daily Wordle, this access provides students with both academic and personal value at a price of $0. In addition to news access, the library offers a variety of digital resources that students can use for research or in their free time. Co-Director of Putnam Library Emily Tragert said, “Our Sora (OpenAI) account has audiobooks and ebooks you can listen to and read on your own phone.”
The library’s resources are not just limited to its own collection of 16,000 books. Through interlibrary loan, students can request materials from other libraries, greatly broadening the resources available to them. Tragert said, “We have an interlibrary loan. We could basically get you any book you are interested in, as long as a library has it.” This loan system enables the librarians to remove any access-inspired hesitations on a student’s literary interests.
But access to different libraries stretches far beyond Nobles. Along with a free Dedham Public Library card that comes with being a Nobles student, students can get an e-card from the Boston Public Library, which is available to all Massachusetts residents. This card grants access to a large digital catalog that provides different educational tools. Tragert said, “The Boston Public Library card you can sign up for has so many things that you can access on their website, including ebooks, audiobooks, and lots of other cool stuff. Sometimes they have language-learning software and Skillshare-type things where you can learn to play an instrument or do a craft.” This allows students interactive opportunities that go beyond just reading a book. Additionally, Associate Director of Putnam Library Ella Steim said, “You don’t actually need a student ID for this, but most public libraries in this area have programs with a lot of cultural institutions, like the Aquarium, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Boston Children’s Museum. You can register for free passes through your public library, if you do it far enough in advance.” Many day passes that are normally expensive can be free with a library card and a little planning.
Beyond just reading and research, the Nobles library also offers access to equipment that students can use for personal projects or, more commonly, EXCEL trips. Cameras, GoPros, and iPods are available on loan, but students should request them well in advance, as supplies are limited. These resources, which would normally be expensive or hard to find, are available on campus.
Financial benefits are among the most important reasons to always carry a student ID. Discounted subscriptions, such as reduced Spotify pricing, are widely available to students. Many businesses also often offer unadvertised discounts to those who present a student ID. Tragert said, “I would say always show your student ID, and ask if they have a discount, because they don’t advertise, but they’ll often give you 10-15% off.” These discounts are most commonly found at chain restaurants and retail stores, and it never hurts to ask.
Taken together, these benefits reveal the true purpose of a student ID card. When used intentionally, it becomes a practical tool for saving money, exploring new interests, and making the most of the perks that come with being a Nobles student.
