Love Your Library

US News and World Report contributed to this article on Yahoo last week about items we should not be paying for. It was a quick and interesting read. Some of the items I agree with (water, books, DVDS) and some (gym, tax prep and cell phones) I do not.

I am going to piggy back on the article's point about libraries though. Sadly it took the current economic situation for libraries to get their public due, but the articles have been many about the services libraries provide for free:

Books: Well this is the obvious one. Libraries offer you an unlimited amount of free books at your finger tips or mouse click. Can't find what you are looking for? Odds are the friendly and attractive librarian can order it from another library for you. What you want is the latest smash hit? You may have to wait, but most libraries have a very orderly hold system done online so you can keep track of where you are on the list. Aside from books given as gifts, I only purchased 4 books last year and I read a lot!

DVDS: AV collections vary from library to library, but like books you can search the library's catalog and place online requests. New releases are popular and get snatched up fast. If you really have to see the latest installment of Twilight tonight, try Red Box for $1 (or use this site to skip the fee). I gave up my Netflix subscription this month and am doing fine using the library and saving $10 a month.

CDS: Music, audio books, language lessons all at your library! A great way to try new things before you invest in them.

Computers/Internet: Need to cut back on internet costs? Go to the library. You can print that recipe you need or copies of your resume, apply for jobs online or order a new pair of running shoes. Printing generally incurs a small fee, but nowhere near the cost of setting up a computer, getting internet, a printer, toner and paper at home.

Entertainment: Have kids? Like movies? Lectures? Odds are your library has programming for all ages, for free. Check out their website or stop by and ask. This past year I went to a book reading, 2 films and a story telling slam.

Information: This is the amazing thing about libraries. All these things add up to this. The library is the one place you can go for free and get access to any kind of information you could possibly need. You can ask a librarian anything and they are happy to help you.

There is no wonder that library user ship has spiked in the past couple of years. I am very lucky, my local library is the main branch of the Boston Public Library and it is a wonderful part of my life.