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Home » Money Saving Tips » Being a Smart Consumer » Surprising Ways the Public Library can Save You Money

Surprising Ways the Public Library can Save You Money

July 22, 2015 by hewella1 9 Comments

There are several surprising ways the public library can save you money. I’m not just talking about saving on books, either. That is pretty much a given. My daughter is just like me and she loves to read. Instead of buying her new books all of the time, we will just be using our library. This is going to save me a ton! For this post, I’m talking about all of the free resources and items that the library offers that you are probably spending money on when you really don’t need to.

All the ways you can save by using the public library. I'm talking more than just books!!

Kid’s Activities

This is something that you will want to take advantage of, especially during the summer when they are about to drive you crazy. The local library offers all kinds of activities to keep the kids busy. They offer story time, crafts, and a whole lot of other interests for all ages. Just check out your library’s website for dates and times. I looked up mine and they offer an activity where kids with reading difficulties can come read out loud to a therapy dog. How cool is that!

Another activity I saw was “Books Come to Life: Harry Potter” where kids get sorted into houses, get to make wands and do spells. If there wasn’t an age limit, I would totally be there. Yes, I’m a Harry Potter nerd, don’t judge me :). There are just so many fun things the library offers to keep your kids busy and entertained. The best part is, they are all free!

Classes

The good times aren’t just for the kids. My local library offers all kinds of free classes and seminars that I could take too. Just looking at this month, they are offering art classes, photography classes, financial classes, even language classes! I could learn a new hobby or language for free! I think this is a great way for people to get out and meet others with the same interests, especially the elderly. It keeps your mind and social skills active.

Internet Access

All the ways you can save by using the public library. I'm talking more than just books!!

Not everyone can afford a computer or home internet. If you need to do research or even apply for jobs, the library offers free usage of their computers and internet. I used to use the library computer all the time when I was applying for jobs. This was way back in the day when I had graduated high school. I won’t even tell you how many years ago :).

Tutoring

If your kids need help in school, your library may offer free tutoring. I looked at my library’s website and they offer free access to Tutor.com. They also offer free homework help, on a variety of subjects, where you can get one on one help online. I think this is such a neat thing to offer. I know my daughter might need it when she gets in school because I won’t really be able to help her with all of her homework. I think all of my algebra and geometry lessons have vanished from my mind!

Free Downloads

A lot of libraries now offer free downloads you can get directly from their site. Mine has free audiobooks, music downloads, eBooks, eMagazines, and more. You can download it straight to your computer or phone and it is yours to keep. You don’t even have to worry about returning it!

Hoopla

You probably know that you can get free movies, music, and magazines from your library but the selections are usually older or limited. That is why some libraries offer Hoopla. It is such a cool app. This is not available for everyone though, you can go here to see if your local library is apart of this program. They not only offer ebooks but also audiobooks, full album downloads, movies, comics, TV Shows, and more. They don’t just offer classics but also some of the newest releases! Looking at the front page, I see that they offer music from: Sam Smith, Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Luke Bryan, and so many more.

You have 7 days to stream or download what you borrow before it gets removed from your account. Hoopla is simple to access and use, without the hassle of having to return the items you’ve borrowed, all you need is your library card, a web browser, smart phone or tablet to get started.

There are just so many ways the public library can save you money. If there is a new book, magazine, movie, etc. that you really want but they don’t have, just ask them to order it for you! Nine times out of ten they can get it and you just saved at least $10. Visit your library, ask what is new, and start having fun while saving money at the same time!

Filed Under: Being a Smart Consumer Tagged With: Books, Library, Movies, Music

Comments

  1. Sinziana says

    July 24, 2015 at 6:42 am

    Hello there! Stopping by from Fridays Blog Booster Party! This is a great article…I think many people should read these great opportunities that a library can provide…I love the good libraries, during my PhD thesis research it was a pleasure for me to go to library…unfortunately in my country are not to many great libraries…a true library should offer all the stuff you listed in this article.

    Warm regards,
    Sinziana

    Reply
  2. Terri Webster Schrandt says

    July 24, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Just subscribed to your blog–what a great article about library resources. A couple of years ago, my husband, (then fiance) had someone do his taxes there for free (via AARP). Visiting from Friday’a Blog Booster 🙂

    Reply
    • hewella1 says

      July 25, 2015 at 9:01 am

      I didn’t know they would do your taxes! That is great! I’m so glad you liked the post and I love having you as a new subscriber :).

      Reply
  3. Kathleen says

    July 24, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    Thanks Ashley, a wonderful informative post, libraries have come a long way in keeping up with the needs of communities. I should go and check out some around here. I have used them in other areas where I have lived but as yet not from my present home.
    I was just looking at the beautiful little babe you are holding in your pic. What a cutie.
    We enjoy you partying with us on Fridays Blog Booster Party #16
    Kathleen

    Reply
    • hewella1 says

      July 25, 2015 at 9:00 am

      Thanks Kathleen! I think she is a cutie too, but I am a little biased :).

      Reply
  4. Jennice says

    July 25, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    You are so right about the other things beside the books that the library saves you money on. BTW, I saw the library program with the children reading to the dogs. Stopping by from #SITSBlogging

    Reply
  5. diane @smartmoneysimplelife says

    February 20, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    I love my library! Let’s hope there’s always funding for them…

    Where else can you go for so many different services (for free) plus borrow books, movies and audio books?!

    Reply
  6. Ramona says

    August 10, 2016 at 11:53 am

    We are able to get “Museum Passes” at our county library. This is a program where you borrow 2-4 free passes for a museum FREE in the area. You are able to keep the “passes” for 4 days visit the museum for FREE and then return the passes. It is GREAT. The museum are well known as well as some unknown in my area. It is wonderful especially for families and small groups.

    Reply
    • hewella1 says

      August 10, 2016 at 7:08 pm

      That’s awesome! I’ll have to check to see if mine offers that. Thanks for the tip!

      Reply

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frugal ginger pic I am a busy Stay at Home Mom to a beautiful little girl and 2 fur babies. Here you will find money saving tips and tricks to help your family's budget. You can also find frugal recipe ideas, parenting advice, life hacks and some things about my crazy life. Head over here to find out more about me and my blog.

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