It’s no secret how I feel about the library. As the daughter of a librarian, I’ve always known it to be a wonderful place. If you’re thinking the library is only for borrowing books, you couldn’t be more wrong. Behold:

12 Great Reasons to visit the library

1. Borrow Books – First and foremost, you can borrow books to your heart’s content. Granted, you’re only allowed a certain amount at a time, and you do have to return them by the designated date or you’ll be socked with a fine, but free book? I’m so there! Going on a long car trip? Borrow some books on tape!
2. Research – The library is the absolute best place to conduct research for school papers or writing assignments. Look up laws, zoning regulations, health issues and more.
3. Study – The library is quiet and a great place to look up answers to things you may not know.
4. Buy Books – Libraries play host to some awesome book sales. Mine often hosts the “Ten for a Dollar Book Drive.” Ten paperbacks for a buck? The only thing better than that is free.
5. Borrow Movies - Would you believe my husband and I only used our Blockbuster card once? Why should we rent when the library has so many great videos and DVDs? Every weekend I take out two or three movies and we watch together after our son is in bed.
6. Borrow Music – I admit, this is a service I don’t use often but the library has hundreds of CD’s and cassettes for your enjoyment. I have a friend who likes to borrow them for her dinner parties.
7. Book Discussions – My library has monthly book discussions. I enjoy getting out for some intelligent conversation with other grownups – and it’s all – you guessed it, free!
8. Kids Stuff – There’s so much stuff for kids to do at the library! Our library offers story time, craft time, sing alongs, teen book talks, summer reading programs, book signings, poetry readings, and so much more.
9. Internet Access – Just about every library in America now offers Internet access. My library has about two dozen computers available to patrons. Each can use for about an hour before being booted off. My library also offers wireless. My power went out a lot last month and I took my laptop to the library to work.
10. Adult Classes – The library offers so many classes for adults. I’ve seen GED training, SAT prep, art classes, pottery classes, scrapbooking, pilates and more.
11. Local Business Promotion – Many libraries help to promote local businesses. For instance, my own library features local artists’ work, or showcases a local business each month.
12. Socialize – The library is the place to see and be seen! Every time I go I bump into people I know! But don’t chit chat too loud!

Libraries are wonderful, free resources. If you’re interested in getting out or learning something new, you can’t go wrong with your local library.

Coming soon…Home and Dining’s Fall Harvest Scavenger Hunt

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

If you’re like me, you’re a voracious reader. The problem is, books can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are so many places to find free or cheap books. Here are some of my favorites:

• The Library – If you’re a book addict on a budget, you can’t do better than the library. The reading matter is free, the selection is vast, and the staff is knowledgeable. In addition to borrowing books, many libraries host periodic sales where one can purchase books for very little money.
• Second-hand bookstore – The used bookstore is one of the best places to shop for cheap books. There are many people who don’t want their old, read books sitting around collecting dust so they sell them to the second-hand bookstore. Here, you can even find books costing less than a dollar if you look hard enough.
• The Internet – Amazon, E-Bay, Half.com and other places offer books at a discount. Check the shipping prices first though, sometimes it’s not worth it.
• Paperback Swap – Gather friends and neighbors for a book swap. It’s a fun social gathering, and a great way to get new books.
• Freecycle – Someone is always giving away books on Freecycle.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy