10 Reasons to Love your Library

I read in the May issue of Money magazine today (while at the library, of course) that applications for library cards are up 1/3 in Boston.  It’s about time folks!

I can’t sing the praises of local public libraries enough.  In my early-adult-shuffling-around years, the first thing I always do when I move to a new town is get a library card.  Here’s why you need a card ASAP:

1. Romance novels!  Every girl’s guilty pleasure is reading them, now you don’t have to feel guilty for paying $8 for them.

2.  Never pay money to save money.  Your library has every do-it-yourself topic imaginable.  My picks today:
- Wordpress for Dummies
- Matthew Haly’s Book of Upholstery
- Tightwad Gazette (once again)

3. I used to buy every Jodi Picoult book on the day it came out, but now I get on the wait list at the library.  When I found out she had a new one in I got on the list.  They saved it for me when it came in and notified me by email.  I only had to wait an extra week than if I would have bought the book.  And she’s popular enough to sell all of her books in hardcover only, which is very sneaky.

4. DVDs!  My new library here in college town has Netflix-like selection as well as a slew of documentaries and work-outs.  Even the small-town libraries I’ve visited have great classics.

5. I’m listening to Hootie and the Blowfish right now, compliments of my ever-loving public library.  I borrow audio CDs and upload them to my computer and I-Pod. Never pay for music again!

6. Libraries offer classes in several helpful topics.  My library is hosting a series of classes on preparing for retirement right now.  Other offerings include perennial gardening and special topics in parenting.

7. Several libraries I’ve visited have Sit-n-Stitch groups where you can meet others with similar artsy-craftsy interests.  This is a great place to learn to knit, crochet, or embroider if your mom or grandma isn’t so very inclined.

8. There’s nothing more dissapointing than a cooking magazine with only a few recipes you would actually make.  Take index cards with to the library and write down your favorites.  I also read Vogue Knitting and Interweave and photocopy my favorite patterns.  I keep my favorites in a binder at home.  I love to read bridal magazines although buying them without being engaged is a little presumptuous.  (Hint, hint, honey!)

9. Movie nights are a great way to get out of the house without paying big money for tickets.  My library at home had a showing of The Kite Runner with a discussion on the book and movie. 

10. There are all kinds of things at libraries for children and families.  Libraries lend board games, puzzles, and puppets next to all the coolest books.  The lending period is generally two weeks, which is all the longer anything holds a kid’s attention anyway.  Look into Storyhour and other playgroups.

Libraries are always free for you to use as long as you avoid overdue fees.  Although they recieve money from the state, extra funding is always needed.  Support your library fundraisers that they may hold.  Even a yearly donation is a small price to pay for all of the money you’re saving through library services.