Why the library is good for you

Just before Christmas, Parade magazine ran an article that caught my eye that highlighted the cost savings of using the library. The article also detailed that how budget shortfalls are resulting in library closures at a time when library usage is on the upswing. Sad. Think of the value your library provides you; then think of a way to provide value back to the library (e.g., donate to the Friends of the Library; host/sponsor an event; donate passes and coupons).

Here's a few reasons why the library is good for you:

- Saves you money. According to a recent Parade magazine article, a family of 4, borrowing 10 items a month rather than buying them, saves $2500. From my own 2008 usage, I saved an estimated $1700. Books, DVDs, CDs, & museum passes.

- Open Source. Think of it this way - a subsidized institution (the library) buys the books and DVDs, magazine subscriptions and proprietary databases, pays the librarians to help you find stuff, and shares it with you, at essentially no cost to you. A win-win no matter how you look at it.

- Free wi-fi. You can camp out for hours, and no one will bump you off the server. (Starbucks makes you pay for access; Panera restricts your time).

- 24 x 7 access. Online cataloguing systems make it easy to reserve/order materials online and swing by the library for a quick pick in the days that follow. Why scour the shelves for a specific read, when you can have it waiting for you at the front desk?

- De-clutters your home. I typically read 75+ books a year. Books crowd every shelf and floor corner. Checking books in/out of the library has considerably reduced the clutter around my house. (Free floor space - what a concept.)

- It's organized. Locating what you want on the Web can be a trial-and-error process, while a well-organized library can make it easy to find information quickly. Nice.

- Gives you a social life. Local libraries play host to book clubs, foreign language conversation circles, seminars, and movie nights. If you're on a budget, join a community at your local library for free. Or if you've got some time and knowledge, create a community and share it with others at the library.

Helping others one coupon at at time

I'm sitting in the fab reading chair in my office, enjoying the solitude of a sunny Monday afternoon and wondering how I can help others when I'm short on cash myself. A solution comes to mind as I start of at a pile of unused coupons. Money is tight with many families. What about starting a coupon exchange at the local library? Just because I'm not using the coupon doesn't mean that someone else won't? Think I'm going to make a small box with my coupons that I'll just place next to the newspaper racks and check it over the next few weeks to see if anyone uses it. stay tuned for an update.