Did you know that the public library will let you take out books, CD’s, and DVD’s for free?!? How come no one told me about this?I’m being silly of course. Let me explain. We got our bills for December recently. I was a bit surprised at how much we spent. I guess the holidays added up to a little more than we would have liked. Some of the charges just happened to come this time of the year and helped the total grow like tuition and contact lenses. Anyway, this made me realize we need to tighten our expenses up a bit more. Breakfast savings alone isn’t going to do it!
In the past I would buy all of my books. Mostly I would use Amazon. Their prices are usually good though I would have to spend $25 to get the free shipping. I’d also buy from Barnes and Noble. I like walking through the store and seeing all of the books. We occasionally get gift cards there too. A third place I get books is from a particular street vendor in Manhattan. Sometimes they get a title that I want and their prices are good.
Well, no more! (Or at least not as much.) This past Saturday the family and I went to our public library. What was I buying all of these books for anyway? There are a few that I’ve re-read but the vast majority end up taking up space on our shelves. And as I said earlier the books are free so the price is right!
I gotta admit I was surprised at the selection they had. There were a couple of books they didn’t have at that location but otherwise it was great! I took out two books: Breakthrough Rapid Reading
I feel a little shameful writing about this. Here I am writing about finances and such and I’ve been missing out on a real simple way to save money and expand my horizons. I really haven’t used the public library since Junior High. (No wonder the place looks a little smaller.) I guess I’ve shied away from the library due to my habits as a kid. The library meant school so I didn’t want to be there. And I used to be horrible at returning books. Thank goodness library fees don’t compound like credit card fees!
Still I’m psyched though. I think I’m going to check out what audio books they have next time. I’ll still buy the occasional book I’m sure but we’re going to make the library a frequent visit from now on!
Have you been to your public library recently?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I rediscovered my library in the past year too. I’ve always used it ocassionally, but not as much as I should have. I wasn’t aware of all the resources they had. For starters, I can check online to see what they have on their shelves and if there is something I want that they don’t have I can place a request for it and they will email me when they get it in. Also I can get lots of DVDs there (instead of renting from a video store). It’s also a great place to read some magazines since I don’t buy them anymore.
I’m surprised and amazed at the online requests. I guess I saw the library as this outdated thing but it’s certainly kept up with technology. I’ll have to check out the DVD selection. Maybe this could be the end of my Netflix subscription?
You should inquire about activities and events that they have in regards to your children…
I know our library has all kinds of things going on for children from toddler up to preteen and young adult. Once again free… is the name of the game!
I love our library! All of the libraries in our county closed for about 6 months due to budget cuts, and it was horrible! I was so glad when they finally reopened!
@Lynnae – Wow. Closed down due to budget cuts? That’s wrong. I haven’t used my library like I should but it should be there for anyone who wants to use it. Glad to hear it’s back open!
@Dawn – I did see a lot going on there. Lot’s of craft and story time hours! I have fond memories of my mom taking me to the library when I was little. I’m definitely going to look into more than just the books!