Libraries...I know what many of you are thinking...I don't like to read, so how do I save money there?
The truth is, they've come a long way since we were kids...well, since I was a kid. Back in the day, you had a card catalog to look up books but if you didn't know the Author, Title, and get the exact Subject card right, you were resigned to "browsing" for what you wanted. It was a long and tedious process if you wanted to study a subject for school. Well, now libraries have lots more going on.
1. Their computers where you can look up anything google-style makes it so fast and easy to get what you need and be on your way. Plus the new library cards track so much for you: what you've already taken out, how you have out now, any late fees or fines, put holds on books, some libraries will even pull the books for you to save you time, and they often will also get books from other libraries for you so you can pick them up and drop them off at your closest branch. And yes, cards are still FREE.
2. Years ago, if you went to a library to take out an album (yup, vinyl), they only had classical music. Movies were only educational movies, historic documentaries, etc. Did you know most libraries have a great collection of movies? They have everything from Classic black and whites, to the latest superhero movie, and tons of videos for kids. Even in the most remote library I've ever been too, they had movies that were just released that year and they stayed on top of what was popular to buy those. They even took requests for movies before they were released. Also, if you have movies you don't want anymore on DVD, why not donate them to your local library so they can share them with others?
3. Everyone talks about what a small world we live in, now that communication, technology, and transportation can take us literally around the world in just 24 hours. The new need for knowing a second language for your job is becoming more and more important. You can take an expensive class. You can order a $500 at-home system. But many libraries carry foreign language programs you can take out for free. That gives you about 3 weeks on average to go through it (often in audio CD format), but you can renew items for additional time if there's no waiting list for it. Why not try a free program? Turn your driving and commuting time into learning time with audio CDs.
4. Magazines...We look at the covers in the store, but we don't usually buy them. Why? Because we know we'll browse most of it, check out the ads, maybe read just a few articles we care about, then it's either thrown out or left to pile up somewhere in your home. Did you know that libraries carry lots of great magazines? Some educational, some on travel, some household related ones, nutrition, cooking, hobby themes, arts and crafts, parenting, and so much more. Why not enjoy your favorite magazines without having to feel like you're wasting money on them?
5. Newspapers, I found them so helpful years ago when I lived in one city and was contemplating moving to another one. It helped me go through the new city's help wanted ads, store ads to see what was available, check out home and rental prices, everything I needed to know before deciding.
6. Did you know most libraries offer special classes and events besides just kids' story time? That remote library I mentioned earlier had a monthly book club, local author lectures, health and safety seminars, weekly groups for things like crocheting and knitting, local informational meetings, and more. Here in the city, they also offer computer classes, job search help, teens events, weekly and monthly groups that meet with common interests, car classes to teach you about your car, and more. Check out your local and nearby city's websites and click on their events list or calendar. I think you may be surprised how much they really have going on.
7. Culture Passes - not sure if this is just in our area or not, but our libraries here offer FREE culture passes on a first-come-first-serve basis. The pass allows free admission for up to 4 people to several local attractions. Here in our area they can be used for the zoo, the science center, several museums, just to name a few. Each attraction has its own pass, and you have (I think it's) 2 or 3 days to use it. The librarians can tell you when a particular pass is due back, but you have to stand in line at opening to get it. They don't hold it for you since so many wait for them. Some of them save you $50 or more, so they're a great FREE value!
8. When we lived in that remote area, we had our computer break and were without internet. When you live out there, you're VERY dependent on the internet for homeschooling, searches for information and services, how-to videos to fix things, and to run your business. I was so thankful our little library had several computers available to use for the couple of weeks it took to find a solution to our computer problem. I think you get to use them for 1 hour at a time. If your computer goes down, or you're in the middle of moving, or especially if you're traveling, you can stop into a library and use their computers, and some have Wi-Fi so you can work on your own device.
9. There's usually a rack full of informative brochures about local programs and things you can pick up free at your library. There's bus schedules, electricity-saving and money-saving programs, tax information, and more. If it has to do with that area, you'll probably find something about it at your library as a center for public service announcements and programs.
10. Conference Room Rentals - did you ever want to have some type of planning meeting but couldn't find a good location? Ever thought about the library? Most have at least one, and often several, conference rooms that can be rented out by individuals, companies, and organizations for a very small fee compared to other venues. They offer an almost sound-proof room with minimal distractions, away from the ringing phones and frequent interruptions of a typical office. It's a great way to save money.
11. Last, but not least, did you know there's a Digital Library you can gain access to so you can download books, lectures, movies, and audios to your favorite device? You would be surprised how many things you can "take out" from the library this way. They are allowed to let several people download material at a time, but if, for example, they have 5 copies, and all 5 have recently been downloaded, you may have to wait a few days to download it. They normally notify you by email it's ready. After the 3 weeks, the download stops working so they can license a copy out to the next person. You can send things to your computer, tablet, laptop, cell phone, it's all digital and it's all FREE.
I've also noticed that lately, some of the newer libraries have Teen Lounge areas and even small coffee shops. Talk about inviting! Hopefully at least some of this was new information for you, and you'll find something useful at your own local library. It's great to find things to do, and new people to meet, and yes, to save money.
