You don’t need a paid subscription to start learning to code — if your local library partners with Treehouse, you already have access!
Get Treehouse for Free
Treehouse is available for free to patrons of participating public libraries across the United States. If your library offers it, you get full access to the same 700+ courses and learning tracks used by paid subscribers — no cost, no credit card, just your library card.
It’s one of the most overlooked ways to start a career in tech, and if you’ve never checked whether your library offers it, it’s worth two minutes to find out.
How It Works
- Check if your library participates. Use the library lookup tool to search by library name or zip code.
- Sign in with your library card. Find the signup page on your library’s website. Click the link that takes you to Treehouse, where you’ll enter your library card to get started.
- Start learning immediately. Once verified, you have the same access as a paid individual subscriber — the full course library, learning tracks, and more.
What’s Included with Library Access
- 700+ course library
- Access to College Credit courses
- Code Adventures projects
- 28-day AI Bootcamp Program
- 100 Days of Code challenge
- Career Toolbox
- Networking on Discord & our community forum
- . . . and much more!
Is My Library One of Them?
Treehouse partners with public libraries nationwide in dozens of states to provide free access to patrons. Coverage is added regularly as new libraries join.
To check your specific library:
- Search the Find Your Library tool
- Or ask your local library’s reference/digital services desk whether they offer Treehouse (sometimes listed under “online learning” or “career resources”)
Here’s a list of some of our participating library systems, past and present:
- San Francisco Public Library
- Arapahoe Library District
- Santa Clara County Library District
- Bexar BiblioTech
- Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
- East Baton Rouge Parish Library
- Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
- Louisville Free Public Library
- Gwinnett County Public Library
- Princeton University Library
- Northwestern Regional Library
- Orange County Public Library System
- Santa Fe Springs Library
- Rochester Regional Library Council
- Central New York Library Resources Council
- Houston County Library System
- Nashville Public Library
- University of Arizona Library
- St. Louis County Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Treehouse really free through libraries? Yes. Patrons of participating public libraries get full access to Treehouse at no cost, funded through the library’s subscription rather than an individual paid plan.
How do I know if my library card qualifies? Treehouse verifies eligibility using your library card number’s prefix, which identifies which library system issued it. If your library participates, your card will be recognized automatically during sign-in.
What if my library doesn’t offer Treehouse yet? Talk with a librarian and request that their library add Treehouse!
Do I need to pay anything once I’m signed up? No. Access through a participating library is entirely free for as long as your library maintains its Treehouse subscription and your library card remains active.
Can I access Techdegree programs for free through my library? Techdegrees are not available through your library at this time.
Why Learn Through Your Library
Public libraries have quietly become one of the most accessible on-ramps into tech education — no subscription fee, no upfront commitment, and access to the same courses used by learners paying $25/month elsewhere. If you’re exploring a coding career, testing whether tech is a good fit, or just want to build a new skill without adding another monthly bill, checking your library is often the fastest way to start.
Keep Exploring
- Learn to code for beginners
- Explore the full course library
- Check out our new AI Bootcamp Program
Have a library card but aren’t sure if your library offers Treehouse? Search here or ask your librarian directly.
