How I saved a TON of money on books and movies.

[crispini]

I will confess, back when I was employed, to two somewhat expensive habits. First, I had a nasty little Amazon addiction -- it's so easy to buy a book with one-click, and I had an Amazon Prime subscription which meant free two-day shipping. So, BOOM, you order the book or DVD and it's at your door almost instantly. I was probably blowing about $50 a month (or MORE!) on Amazon. Second, I had the "three DVD" Netflix plan, supplemented by trips to the local rental place. Now, Netflix isn't all that expensive but when you're me and you leave them sitting on your shelf more often than you watch them, it is. I always seemed to have this weird mismatch between what I THOUGHT I'd want to watch and what I ACTUALLY wanted to watch. It's like the Netflix-ordering me sitting in front of the computer wanted to get art films and explore the AFI top 100, but the Friday-night beer drinking me really wanted to watch something mindless or funny.

So -- I have replaced all of the above habits with (drumroll please) .... the library!

Folks, let me tell you, this is not your grandmother's library. I can get on their website and request any book in the system be sent to my local branch. They usually come in within the week. Also, if my city public library doesn't have the book, they have "Interlibrary Loan" on their website, and you can just request a book from some other library system. These also usually come in within the week, and the ones I've requested have tended to come from local universities. It really is just like Amazon, but slower. And you have to go to the library to get it. BUT, that can be combined with a trip to the grocery store. And it's all FREE.

As far as DVD's go, my local branch has a pretty decent selection, so I haven't seen if you can request them from other libraries in the system yet, but I would assume so. And, did I mention, it's FREE? I will confess that the new releases are pretty hard to get ahold of at the library (waiting list) so I do often go to my local Redbox for those -- a buck a night, can't beat that with a stick.

So anyway, there you go. Two little habits that I'm actually quite happy I broke! Folks, I highly recommend it -- your local library! Wheeee!

[Droopy]

1. That probably works alright if you are in or near a decent sized city

Probably not as good if you live in small town America.

[crispini]

2. True.

But it might be worth finding out. If your small town library has "interlibrary loan" then the sky's the limit! It's worth it to me to wait a week or two for a book if it's going to be free.

[trof]

7. Our town has about 10,000 pop. And a great library.

Just like in the OP, you can go online and search the entire county library system. If our branch doesn't have a book, etc. they'll get it from another library.

We always load up on audio books for road trips.
Makes the miles fly by.

[Callalily]

3. Libraries are great.

I have been patronizing them forever. And now I can "browse" the stacks on-line, what could be more convenient?

My small town library (recently moved) is great. Yes, interlibrary loan is a library-patrons best friend. Any library can get anything, the possibilities are endless.

I get most of my DVD's from the library too. I search the NYT for titles/reviews.

[crispini]

4. I'm really digging the online reqest system.

Such power! And it's fun to see where the books I request come from. All over the city, haha!

[Dangerously Amused]

5. Agreed! I rediscovered the library this year as well.

Same as you, after looking at the books I wanted to order on Amazon and adding up the cost. :wow:

I got them all through the library, some had to be sent from other libraries, but still. Now I can read them and if I still really want or need a particular book, I'll buy just that one, and if I need only a section of a book, I'll copy it. Viola! Extra money in my pocket. :loveya:

I was also blown away by their collection of CDs and DVDs.

And, the best part right now... A FREE office-like, fully heated workspace including free internet, free private meeting rooms and a clean, fully maintained bathroom, available days, nights and weekends. Suh-weeet!


:)

[lizziegrace]

9. I need to spend more time in the library

I really only read most books once and only watch most movies once. Very few get a second pass.

I can't give up my gym membership just yet. Maybe I'll get to the point where I can get motivated on my own, but right now, the $$ that's taken from my account is reason enough to head to the gym. Besides, almost all the treadmills and elipticals have built-in TV screens with cable. I can watch anything I want and I tend to walk more miles because I want to see how an episode of House ends. :-)

Let me know when you have spare time this week. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

6. Libraries rule

:patriot:

[NV Whino]

8. Yup.

Been doing that for years.

Although I live in a small town, our library rocks. The DVD collection these days is pretty amazing.

I also frequent my local used book store. I buy a book there at 1/2 price and resell it later if I wish.

And don't forget, it has been the librarians who have stood up for our privacy rights throughout the reign of George and company.

So, with all the money you're saving, consider donating a bit to your local library. Libraries, like the rest of us, are going to feel the pinch in the coming years.

[lizziegrace]

10. Great idea!

I hadn't thought about libraries when it comes to cash donations.

[DarkTirade]

11. That's been a lot easier for me lately

now that I live in a small town and the library is within walking distance. :)

[Schema Thing]

12. Great suggestions

I've even thought about, on really cold days, or hot days, using the library as my office to save the heating/cooling cost at home.

[gblady]

13. I totally agree....

I have been a library fanatic for 20+ years....
I live in a small town, but our library system is a county wide operation...
with 9 branches...I can sit at home on my computer and browse, place holds, renew books.

Our library allows you to make purchase requests for books you want...I've done that many times.

They also have these amazing book sales twice a month, run by volunteers of the library,
where you can pick up books for a song...paperbacks 25 cents to a dollar...hardbacks, a dollar or two...

I love my library....feels like my second home!