5 Simple Ways To Save Money by Visiting Your Local Library (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links.

2K Shares

What do your gym membership and local library have in common?

You’re paying for it… whether you choose to take advantage of the benefits or not.

Take a moment to imagine your public library.

You find yourself lost in a maze of endless aisles of books where you wander in circles trying to break that cryptic code known as the Dewey Decimal system. The scene is accompanied by that distinct, musty smell of old paper and an encompassing silence just waiting to be broken by a stifled sneeze.

Depending on your own interests and personality, the prior paragraph either sounds like the beginning of a horror movie or the start of a perfect Saturday (it’s one of my favorite places to go when I’m bored on the weekend).

No matter what your current impression of libraries might be, it’s time to reimagine them beyond books see them for their true potential as…

A money saving machine!

Don’t worry, you don’t have to cancel your home internet service (although you can get cheap or free internet if you’re resourceful) and camp out in front of the library computers to save money by visiting your local library.

Here are five simple ways you can start saving money by enjoying your local library – followed by a quick guide on how to get started!

Jump to...

Take books for a test drive

“Guess what, I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don’t know. I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me… No, don’t sue me. That is the opposite of the point that I’m trying to make.” – Michael Scott, The Office

I need to confess my one of most expensive flaws. Admitting I have a problem will be the first step in making peace with my financial past:

Over the past few years, I’ve purchased far more books than I’ve ever read.

Is this true for you, too?

If you have piles of books you’ve purchased with the promise of reading them someday soon, perhaps this is the easiest place to start on your “saving money at the library” journey.

This isn’t to suggest that buying your own books is a waste of money. There’s something to be said about owning your own personal copy that you can mark up, keep for as long as you’d like, or accidentally drop on your plate or in the bathtub without any fear of repercussions.

However, if you find yourself buying more books than you seriously have time to read, consider giving your next book a “test drive” first by checking it out from the local library.

If you finish the rented copy and consider it something you’ll want to read again or refer back to (or if you just want to support the author), you can go online to buy a new or used copy.

Listen to audiobooks for free

Audiobooks: the early ancestors of the modern-day podcast?

Ever since I started waking up earlier and riding public transit to work, I’ve tried to find ways to make sure this newly-rediscovered “me time” has value.

If you also have a long commute, you may want to use this free time to learn something new – or at least escape into your favorite or fictional worlds.

5 Simple Ways To Save Money by Visiting Your Local Library (1)

One under-utilized benefit that many public libraries offer is free access to a large collection of audiobooks.

Most libraries offer this content through a service called Overdrive. The site claims a catalog of over 2 million eBooks, audiobooks, and videos. The available content includes:

  • New York Times Best-sellers
  • Classic works of fiction
  • Popular business and self-help books
  • Curated collections by topics or style
  • And more – go take a look, we’ll wait

You can access these items from your phone, tablet, or computer – all it takes is a library card!

Given the size of their collection, it’s worth checking out if you love audiobooks but aren’t sure you want to shell out $14.95 a month for Audible.

(And even if you do have an Audible account, you may want to see if you can rent an audiobook for free from Overdrive before spending an Audible credit.)

Join our FREE7 Days to Financial ConfidenceEmail Course!

You’ll also receive a copy of our “6 Simple Steps to Financial Security” cheat sheet immediately.

Use the library as a free workplace

If you’re a student, remote worker (full-time or freelancing on Upwork), or an entrepreneur, you may already understand just how difficult it can be to work productively from home.

This is one of the major reasons why there’s been an emergence of “coworking” spaces over the past few years.

What is a coworking space, you ask?

It’s a semi-private building where individuals or small teams can pay membership dues to gain access to office space.

(You can read more how this is just the beginning of one coworking company’s master plans.)

Coworking spaces offer their members a variety of benefits:

  • Daytime or 24/7 access to the building
  • Access to the internet, printers, and supplies
  • Networking events with other members
  • Discounted pricing to ticketed community events
  • Free coffee and snacks

If you’re looking for a place to get your work done outside of your home or office, this setup sounds pretty appealing. Unfortunately, the coworking memberships I’ve seen run anywhere from $80 to $350 a month.

At that rate, it might still be cheaper to just drop into Starbucks and work without the hassle of a membership agreement.

If only there was a place where you could take advantage of these same benefits at a free or steeply discounted cost…

I’m no etymologist, but I’d just like to point out the word “library” is awfully close to the Greek word “liber,” meaning free.

Attend classes and events

City and university libraries are considered to be central gathering places within the community. As such, they often host events – lectures, classes, and activities – that fall across a wide spectrum.

Listening to a controversial author share the highlights from their recent book on politics, religion, or philosophy? Check.

Looking for a family-friendly place for your children to create crafts inspired by their favorite fictional characters? Check.

Impressing your significant other with a fun, cheap date by admiring a photography exhibit or watching a series of short films produced by local students? Check.

You can attend many of these local events for free, although some activities might charge small fees to help cover the costs of supplies or bringing in special guests. Even if you do have to pay for a ticket, you’ll find that you’re saving a lot of money compared to many other entertainment options downtown!

Enjoy “hidden” perks

Hopefully, you’ve already started to see how the benefits of the library extend far beyond access to a great wealth of books.

While the most popular features of libraries – books, computers, and events – are widely promoted, they often offer a variety of “hidden” perks that you’re probably not aware of:

  • Schedule time with a librarian to help with your research
  • Access digital and print archives of local historical records
  • Sit down with a genealogist to research your family history
  • Rent a conference room for your next company or organization meeting
  • Utilize library printers and scanners

Your local library may offer unique or less-common perks, such as video game rentals or books-by-mail, that could also help you save money. To fully enjoy all of the perks your library has available, scour through the website or sign up for their email newsletter.

5 Simple Ways To Save Money by Visiting Your Local Library (2)How to save money by visiting your local library

Are you ready to add the library to your list of personal finance resources?

Here are five steps that will help you turn the page (insert facepalm emoji here) on your favorite new place.

  1. Register for a library card. If you don’t already have a library card, the application process is fairly simple. Just visit your library’s website or stop by the library with a photo ID and proof of address. You’ll have your library card or account set up in just a few minutes!
  1. Place a book on hold. While libraries typically have an abundance of the classics, you may have to reserve a copy of the newer or most popular books. After you have a library account, you can reserve a book online, over the phone, or in person. Claim your turn to check out your favorite book!
  1. Request an interlibrary loan. This is one of the most underused resources when it comes to books and the library. If your local library doesn’t have a copy of the book you’re looking for, you can typically request that the library borrow the book from another library in the area (it will take a couple days to get to your location).
  1. Explore the event calendar. You can find the schedule of upcoming events on your library’s website. No matter your interests, you’re likely to find some type of lecture, class, or activity that appeals to you. Find an event that stands out, and make it part of your next date or family night!
  1. Schedule a library day. My favorite way to enjoy the public library? Just show up and explore. You can schedule a morning or afternoon to peruse the aisles of books, drop in on an event, or sit down at an open table to get some work done.

Conclusion

Have you been successfully been convinced that your local library is a personal finance lover’s dream?

Even if you don’t consider yourself a voracious reader, the library is an excellent place to get work done, participate in community events, and save some money in the process.

Next time you have a chance, stop by your library and see what they have tooffer. You might just be pleasantly surprised! Our closing thoughts come from the children’s TV show Arthur:

Having fun isn’t hard,
When you’ve got a library card.
Having fun isn’t hard,
When you’ve got a library card.

Come on inside,
We’ve got everything you need.
There’s plenty to do,
Or you can just sit and read.

Did you enjoy this post? Please consider taking a moment to share “5 Simple Ways To Save Money by Visiting Your Local Library” on Pinterest or Twitter!

2K Shares

5 Simple Ways To Save Money by Visiting Your Local Library (2024)

FAQs

5 Simple Ways To Save Money by Visiting Your Local Library? ›

Borrow way more than just books.

(Ask your librarian how to reserve a pass for a particular date and time.) You may also be able to check out puzzles, games, and toys—an awesome way to refresh your at-home entertainment without buying new stuff.

How do I get the most out of my local library? ›

Borrow way more than just books.

(Ask your librarian how to reserve a pass for a particular date and time.) You may also be able to check out puzzles, games, and toys—an awesome way to refresh your at-home entertainment without buying new stuff.

What are the five ways to maintain library? ›

The library material needs to be maintained on routine basis. Maintenance of library material involves kinds of stacking, shelf arrangement, cleaning, shelving, stock verification and weeding of unwanted material.

How can we make best use of library? ›

Before you walk into the library, have a question or two that you are trying to answer. This will focus your research and allow you to make the most of your time. Bring related book titles. If you already have done some research elsewhere, bring those titles along with you.

How do I save a lot to the library? ›

When you click into a Lot, Room or Household click the Save Lot To My Library icon. To find these later on, at the top of the Gallery click on the My Library icon. Here you can view everything you have saved and can filter your saves by Lot, Household, and Room.

How can the library save you money? ›

In some locations, you can borrow tools (saving a purchase at the hardware store), take free language classes and even get free tickets to local museums and attractions. The resources that your library has to offer will depend on its size and funding, which comes in part from taxpayer dollars and donor funds.

What is the golden rule of a library? ›

You shouldn't really be talking at all (because you're supposed to be working or reading, remember?). If you break this golden rule of library-going and talk louder than necessary, you may have a sharp 'shush' coming your way (the kind of attention you really don't want).

What is library 5 points? ›

A library is a place where books and sources of information are stored. They make it easier for people to get access to them for various purposes. Libraries are very helpful and economical too. They include books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, manuscripts and more.

How do I declutter my library? ›

How to declutter books
  1. Gather all your books in one place. ...
  2. Factor in storage space. ...
  3. Sort books into categories. ...
  4. Weed out duplicates. ...
  5. Create a set of rules – and stick to them. ...
  6. Be realistic about the types of books you're holding onto. ...
  7. Figure out your true favorites – and put them back first.
May 24, 2023

What are the 20 uses of a library? ›

Let's consider the library as a building, a set of services, a collection, and a place for activities.
  • Meet with friends. Libraries used to be strictly quiet places. ...
  • Use it as an office. ...
  • Keep cool in summer, warm in winter. ...
  • Drop the children off. ...
  • Ask a question. ...
  • Find a job. ...
  • Use a computer. ...
  • Use software.
Mar 15, 2016

How can I make my library more interesting? ›

A surefire strategy for libraries is providing a series of smaller "places" within and around them to attract people. These attractions don't need to be elaborate to make the library a success. In fact, numerous small attractions, such as a vendor cart or playground, will effectively draw people throughout the day.

What are the three conditions of a good library? ›

Finally, the works by McDonald [19, 20] on ten key qualities of good learning space also assist in starting to think about a framework of qualities of good library spaces: functionality; adaptability; accessibility; being varied; interactivity; being conducive; being environmentally suitable; safety and security; ...

How do I save my household to the library? ›

Save & Share a Household

Select the household that you want to save to your Library &/or the Community Gallery. Next choose “Save Household to My Library”: (Alternately you could click the cloud icon and just share to the Gallery at this point, but then you would not have a copy of the household saved to your Library.)

How do I not get bored in the library? ›

  1. Hey,
  2. If you feel bored of books, leave books for a while. Watch TV shows or series. ...
  3. Also, maybe you are bored of books because you have been spending too much time at home. So go outside, take a small trip.
  4. After a few days start reading again. And read something interesting, fictional, one of the best-selling books.
Feb 5, 2018

Should you leave your stuff in a library? ›

Your Stuff in the Library

It is when thefts occur most often. If you're leaving the Library to grab a bite to eat or get something from a locker, take your belongings with you.

How do I attract more people to my library? ›

Partnerships are often an effective strategy for increasing traffic to a library. For example, you can partner with other establishments and organizations in your community to create a book club. Working with a kid's organization to coordinate the book club can encourage children in your community to read more.

How do I make my library stand out? ›

How to Make Your Library Great
  1. Great Libraries Offer a Broad Mix of Community Services. ...
  2. Great Libraries Foster Communication. ...
  3. Great Libraries Showcase History and Information. ...
  4. Great Libraries Build Capacity for Local Businesses. ...
  5. Great Libraries Become Public Gathering Places.

Top Articles
Understanding Curve Finance and Its Mechanisms
TDS on Sale of Property by NRI in India
Po Box 7250 Sioux Falls Sd
The Largest Banks - ​​How to Transfer Money With Only Card Number and CVV (2024)
Brady Hughes Justified
Occupational therapist
Jesus Calling December 1 2022
Activities and Experiments to Explore Photosynthesis in the Classroom - Project Learning Tree
Pickswise the Free Sports Handicapping Service 2023
Tribune Seymour
Jcpenney At Home Associate Kiosk
Top Hat Trailer Wiring Diagram
Goldsboro Daily News Obituaries
Craigslist Jobs Phoenix
New Mexico Craigslist Cars And Trucks - By Owner
Thotsbook Com
Sivir Urf Runes
Teenleaks Discord
Unit 33 Quiz Listening Comprehension
Inside the life of 17-year-old Charli D'Amelio, the most popular TikTok star in the world who now has her own TV show and clothing line
Lowes Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Scout Shop Massapequa
Busted Mcpherson Newspaper
Morse Road Bmv Hours
Employee Health Upmc
Www.paystubportal.com/7-11 Login
Elbert County Swap Shop
Shoe Station Store Locator
What Sells at Flea Markets: 20 Profitable Items
Unity Webgl Car Tag
Keshi with Mac Ayres and Starfall (Rescheduled from 11/1/2024) (POSTPONED) Tickets Thu, Nov 1, 2029 8:00 pm at Pechanga Arena - San Diego in San Diego, CA
Restored Republic
Club Keno Drawings
Que Si Que Si Que No Que No Lyrics
47 Orchid Varieties: Different Types of Orchids (With Pictures)
Bus Dublin : guide complet, tarifs et infos pratiques en 2024 !
Gwu Apps
Craigslist Georgia Homes For Sale By Owner
Myanswers Com Abc Resources
Pokemon Reborn Locations
Wo ein Pfand ist, ist auch Einweg
3 Zodiac Signs Whose Wishes Come True After The Pisces Moon On September 16
Mbfs Com Login
Here's Everything You Need to Know About Baby Ariel
Csgold Uva
RubberDucks Front Office
This Doctor Was Vilified After Contracting Ebola. Now He Sees History Repeating Itself With Coronavirus
Ups Customer Center Locations
Inside the Bestselling Medical Mystery 'Hidden Valley Road'
Craigslist Farm And Garden Missoula
Wayward Carbuncle Location
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5606

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.