Sunday, July 19, 2009

How Your Public Library Can Help Save You Money

Do you know, it's absolutely amazing what you can do with a public library these days. Today's library is completely outfitted to be, not just the dusty research center it used to be when we were kids, but a fully outfitted center of information and technology. The library next to my house has more computers than an IT department and has a huge assortment of online reading material powered by Google to make it more user friendly than your average university library center.

How can libraries help save you money? First and foremost, let's talk computers and Internet (since it seems like that's what everybody's doing with them anyway). Many libraries now offer free Wi-Fi and plug-in ports for your power cords. Several people have suggested working at the library to cut down on the cost of both your Internet and electricity by taking advantage of their network and simply making sure your laptop is fully charged before you begin the long walk home.

There's also the matter of entertainment. Libraries have a huge assortment of books, movies and music they're willing to loan out for free, and these usually aren't your grandmother's multi-media. I'm actually usually pretty impressed with what my library has to offer. There are programs in everything from knitting to vegetarian cooking to yoga, not to mention reading and crafts programs for the kids.

And of course, there are books and videos you don't have to buy, including digital media. Libraries can go a long toward helping you save money, so take some time to see what yours has to offer today.

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