photo credit: San Jose Library
A recent headline in our Sunday paper caught my attention about the current economic trend and how citizens can utilize some great free services at local libraries. I imagine the statistics are not unique for Northern California and can probably be found for cities all over the country. Books, cd’s, dvd’s, and internet usage was up over 40% and a new service was coming to our local library. A group had put together several hiring managers and hosted a seminar on interview preparation and job coaching. Not only can you checkout a New York Times best selling book but you can also receive free job coaching skills.
Some of the many free and frugal items that can be found at a library:
1. Books on cd.
2. Children’s books on cd
3. Dvd’s. Many wonderful movies can be rented for free.
4. Internet. Many libraries offer free internet connections. A wonderful place to write or work on school projects.
5. Free seminars. Tax preparation, job skill training, resume workshops, and career advice.
6. Children’s summer reading programs.
7. Free newspapers and magazines. Why buy when you can read them for free.
8. Discount photo copier service. Some libraries have inexpensive photocopy services.
9. Free research assistance. Need help writing a book or finding resources. Ask a librarian for help.
10. Free music. Many wonderful cd’s have been donated to local libraries. You can rent before you decide to buy.
I stopped by a local library this week and they were hosting a tax adviser that would be available to answer tax questions in the evening. If you do your taxes yourself and haven’t found the answer at IRS.gov, check your local library to see if you have a tax workshop. A local tax professional might just be hosting a workshop in your area.
With all the economic uncertainty and stimulus bailout plans, it’s sometimes nice to think about what our public libraries have to offer. What are some other things you’ve found useful at your public library?
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Our library also offers free passes to local museums. You just have to plan ahead a little to be sure you get them on the day you want.
Another neat benefit of our library is the on-line access for ordering books. They’ve also started having books that can be downloaded from on-line – right from home.
Because I live in an area of smaller towns, the area libraries have gotten together with some of the bigger city libraries, and we can get books from any of them.
Also, no matter where you live in MA, if you are a state resident you can get a library card from any library in the state.
Great post!
I’ve actually been using the library more to get some free books that I did not think were worth paying for.
@ Greener Pastures
Great tip. I’ll have to see if our library has free passes to any local events.