Author Topic: Using your local library is SO mustachian!  (Read 11278 times)

pac_NW

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Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« on: September 21, 2013, 01:01:34 PM »
Just a quick post on our local libraries. I was looking at expenses and tallied my Amazon books and iTunes music spend. Was stunned. Priojected that future spend and was stunned even more. It is so easy to download a book or a CD. Decided to get back into the library habit - paper books, music, movies, ebooks, and more!  Yes, sometimes you have to wait for a book on hold; it is a good way to practice delayed gratification. And I discovered recently that it is even easier to borrow ebooks from my library as our system gets it ebooks from Amazon so super easy and can use the Kindle app instead of the Overdrive library app. In just a couple of months, my spend is down to 0. Moreover, I have been exploring new music and topics - all for free. You can reserve online - so easy. And I love our local library - great old building. Just wanted to share how large your mustache can grow by leveraging the library!

NinetyFour

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2013, 01:23:42 PM »
I absolutely agree with you.  I'm surprised at all the MMM reader who still spend money for Netflix, etc.  Many libraries (especially those attached to colleges and universities) are parts of large networks and can get materials from elsewhere in their state.  My problem, between my city library and my college library and free stuff on the internet, is *keeping up* with all the free media out there!  I still haven't watch Silk on PBS, and it will expire soon!  Better get to it!

CU Tiger

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2013, 05:44:52 PM »
One of my favorite things about our home is that it is within minutes of the local county library. I can request books for free, check out movies for either free or $1 per night (depending on how old the movie is) and browse the shelves full of readerly goodness.

I don't use the computers there, but if I wanted to, it is free.

A while back someone on these forums said that the local library system is dead. Based on the crowds at my local library, he could not have been more wrong.

I don't even mind paying the very occasional fine when I keep a book out one or two days too long. I consider it a donation to my favorite public service!

hybrid

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2013, 07:09:57 PM »
Yes indeed, my wife really leverages our local library.  She is an avid reader and checks out books in both physical and virtual form from our library with gusto, probably two books a week.  I can only imagine the bill if she were buying these....

I don't use it as much but I refused to go buy A Dance With Dragons (5th book in the Game of Thrones series) recently, even though there was a long wait for the book.  I had to wait a few months to get it but like a poster just said, delayed gratification is a good exercise to engage in now and then.

lcg377

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2013, 10:15:02 AM »
In a few places I've lived, I've also found that libraries sometimes have this little pool of money to buy new things that patrons recommend! I've always been able to "suggest" a book using the regular computer catalog, and then you're first in line to get it once it comes in. If that option isn't on-screen in their system, it might be worth asking a librarian in person. 

gilee

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2013, 04:27:43 AM »
I also recently returned to using the library when I realized how much I was spending to buy books on my Kindle.  I am loving it!  Yes on the ebooks and movies too.

nico demouse

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2013, 06:42:47 AM »
Being walking distance to the library (2 blocks) was a factor in deciding to buy the house we did. :) Luckily commuter rail and other small town downtown things are all clustered together around that area.

Our library also checks out puzzles, games, and toys. Was a huge help in the years before my son went to school as we could check out a bunch of "new" things and then return them in a couple weeks. Our also has a lot of great entertainment type events for kids and adults -- movie showings, book club discussions, a quilting club, knitting club....

JoshuaSpodek

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2013, 12:29:24 PM »
My library is across the street. I use it weekly. I have three books from there at home now. If I don't get time to read them before they're due I can renew them online or just return them because they're free.

If libraries didn't exist, I have a feeling no one would be able to start them today.

lifejoy

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2013, 12:38:16 PM »
I'm at the library right now! :)

teen persuasion

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2013, 12:45:11 PM »
I'm glad everyone is using & loving their libraries - I work in my tiny village library, and it is a lot of fun.

Some library offerings that I haven't seen mentioned yet: preschool story hour, summer reading programs, periodicals, community meeting rooms, movie days, local history, local yearbooks, copy/printing/fax services, audiobooks, Freegal (free+legal music downloads), hangout for afterschool, drama clubs, inexpensive book sales (weeding and donations)...

pachnik

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2013, 12:59:31 PM »
I love the library too!   Especially, I like that I can hear about a book, sit down on my computer and request it from my branch.  My library branch is smallish but they get books for me in about a day or two from the main library in my city. 

I haven't bought a book since last year other than a gift for my mom.  I have been a library user since I was a child and used to ride there on my bike.  These days I walk. 

Rebecca Stapler

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2013, 01:25:57 PM »
I have gotten a lot of benefit out of our local library, although not being open on the weekends in the summer was a big bummer for my son. But now it's fall and we're going back almost every weekend to pick out new books for him. Their movie collection is pretty terrible, though, and we still have to pay $1 to rent them. So we stick with streaming netflix.

CommonCents

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2013, 01:39:15 PM »
Agreed!  I'm an avid reader, always have been, and I couldn't afford to buy all of those books.  In the past month I'm on a higher spree than usual and have probably read 20 books.  I also will buy a handful of books at $1 or less from libraries at time.  I might get them cheaper elsewhere and I might not need them, but I like to support the wonderful idea of free libraries that can educate anyone.  My favorite tip: requesting books online from other libraries so they are ready for pickup when I swing by.

That said, to the poster suggesting getting rid of netflix for library DVDs, I won't do it and here's why.  Way too many DVDs from the library are scratched and hard to watch.  I've gotten so frustrated watching a movie 1/2 way or even 7/8ths of the way through only to discover it's scratched and I can't finish it despite cleaning.  I report it, but then have to either try to get ahold of another copy and see if it's also scratched, or give up.  I'd say 1/3 of movies I couldn't finish at all but more like 50% had some amount of material I had to skip and 90% have some small scratch that requires cleaning and luck to get it to play through.  Just couldn't take it.  More frustating that not watching in the first place.

KatieSSS

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #13 on: September 23, 2013, 01:47:25 PM »
That said, to the poster suggesting getting rid of netflix for library DVDs, I won't do it and here's why.  Way too many DVDs from the library are scratched and hard to watch.  I've gotten so frustrated watching a movie 1/2 way or even 7/8ths of the way through only to discover it's scratched and I can't finish it despite cleaning.  I report it, but then have to either try to get ahold of another copy and see if it's also scratched, or give up.  I'd say 1/3 of movies I couldn't finish at all but more like 50% had some amount of material I had to skip and 90% have some small scratch that requires cleaning and luck to get it to play through.  Just couldn't take it.  More frustating that not watching in the first place.

+1. Exactly why I have Netflix. I don't buy books anymore and I don't have a Kindle. I check out books from the library the old-fashioned way. :) I love the library!

Rebecca Stapler

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #14 on: September 23, 2013, 01:47:38 PM »
Agreed!  I'm an avid reader, always have been, and I couldn't afford to buy all of those books.  In the past month I'm on a higher spree than usual and have probably read 20 books.  I also will buy a handful of books at $1 or less from libraries at time.  I might get them cheaper elsewhere and I might not need them, but I like to support the wonderful idea of free libraries that can educate anyone. My favorite tip: requesting books online from other libraries so they are ready for pickup when I swing by.


Yes! When I come across a book I want to read, I first go online to my library and reserve it before I go to Amazon to put it on my wish list (it only goes on there if it's not available at the library!)

jrhampt

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #15 on: September 23, 2013, 03:29:32 PM »
Yes, I remember when Kindle books were less expensive, but then they started going up and I became a heavy library user again.  I go a couple of times a week usually, and also use the interlibrary loan feature to request pickup at my branch (and I have successfully requested some newer titles to be stocked at my local library).  As if the library weren't already mustachian enough, mine offers a free personal finance/budgeting course.  Like others, though, I still keep my Netflix subscription for movies.

pac_NW

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #16 on: September 23, 2013, 09:32:23 PM »
Love all of the replies, folks. And some great ideas mentioned about additional library resources. My neighborhood has several Little Free Libraries too, meaning nice, doored, wooden stands or boxes that you can add and take books from any time. They are permanent structures and when I walk, it is always interesting to see the books people have placed there. Neat idea, cool little structures, great community builder.

http://www.queenanneview.com/tag/little-free-library/

Neighbor Don

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #17 on: September 25, 2013, 12:42:38 PM »
My library recently started offering free magazine subscriptions and I noticed many other towns big and small do this too. If you have a library account you can subscribe for free to magazines through Zinio. You can then read the current version of whatever magazines you choose to subscribe to(no back issues available) on your web browser or on the Zinio app. Check your library's website or call them to see if they have this.

+1 for using Freegal

Mrs MM

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #18 on: September 25, 2013, 08:58:16 PM »
YES!!  Go Library!!

Our library is also in a beautiful building that I love hanging out in. It's so peaceful and wonderful in there. They also have a ton of activities for kids (and adults too!).

One great thing about Amazon is that you can look at ALL your purchase history. I did this recently and it was really interesting. The things I used to buy in the early 2000s surprised me (a ton of books)! You should all take a look.

mm31

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #19 on: January 16, 2014, 11:01:41 PM »
inter-library loans are great. I alos still prefer paper books over ebooks so for me getting a book from the library is actually faster than buying one from amazon and waiting for it to show up.

Unionville

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« Reply #20 on: January 22, 2014, 06:05:00 PM »
A lot of people don't know that if you live in the state of California, you have a right to get a library card from every city/county in the state (you just need to go in person with proof of residency). The reason this is great, is you can get ebooks and audiobooks online.  So, if you going on a vacation, stop in at every library on your trip and get a library card.  Trust me, the audio books available in San Francisco are much better than a small town.

Fireman

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #21 on: January 22, 2014, 06:39:44 PM »
We love going to the library.  Now, instead of putting a book on my Amazon wish list, I put it on my library hold list!  The only problem is the library has been closed the last two days because of a couple inches of snow.  Boo.

nyxst

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #22 on: January 22, 2014, 06:58:11 PM »
We use the library.  A LOT.. haha :) I have three kids who are HEAVY readers... Even the 4 year old! We go 2x per week on average and check out 3 books per person. That makes 24 books per week, and every single one is read cover to cover! We have an assigned shelf in the bookshelf just for library books, so we don't have late fees often, but even if it does, I don't mind paying a dollar or two... The cost for 24 books per week would be astronomical! Plus, they offer so much more than just books!

davisgang90

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #23 on: January 23, 2014, 04:10:27 AM »
I cracked the code on e-books from the library on my kindle.  Brand new titles to borrow for free!  Yes please!

rockstache

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #24 on: January 23, 2014, 01:09:29 PM »
I recently found out my library offers ebooks...by recently I mean last week and I'm almost done with my second ebook. It's stuff I would NEVER have bought (I'm reading 50 Shades of Gray just to laugh at how bad it is...) but I have a hold on some personal finance books I've been meaning to read for a while now and looking forward to them becoming available. I was a big holdout on ebooks and really didn't think I'd like reading them on my phone but I think I got converted...
They also have audiobooks but now that I carpool with DH I don't have as much opportunity to listen to them :(

Google "Sweaters for days and moves like jagger 50 shades," and read this blog along with it. I didn't actually read the book myself, but I read the blog and OMG...hysterical. I would post the link but I'm at work and I can't. So SO worth it though.

Carrie

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #25 on: January 23, 2014, 01:31:24 PM »
I was thrilled to discover that our little library has ebook lending available.  Since finding that out two weeks ago, I've downloaded four books & finished two.  :)  Hooray for free reading, enrichment & entertainment!  This will make it super easy to meet my yearly goal of 1 fiction & 1 non fiction book per month.  This year I added the caveat that the book has to be free.  Now that I can get ebooks on loan, this will be so awesome! 

FrugalAussie

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #26 on: January 23, 2014, 03:55:26 PM »
Using the library saves us huge amounts of money, not only for books but for magazines too, hard copy and electronic. I just love magazines, but really don't like to pay for them.

A new service at our library is free classes in using electronic devices. They received a Commonwealth Government grant so this could be something available in other libraries in Australia, though I know not all have this service. I attended a class on using my Galaxy Tablet and will get one-to-one coaching also.  Most of the people in the class were probably 60 years + and super keen on learning to use the devices they have. The teacher was brilliant.

Our library is now open seven days a week and every time I go in, no matter when, it's busy.  It's about 50 metres from my workplace so I visit at least every week. I love it, the best Mustachian entertainment I think.

libertarian4321

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #27 on: January 31, 2014, 06:17:57 PM »
The local library has largely cut our "Redbox" costs from (not very much, heck, the movies are only a buck) to essentially zero.  Sure, we have to wait longer to see the movies, but who cares?

We vastly reduced our Barnes and Noble bill (the only downside to this is we have less books to donate to charity)- from about $100 a month to nearly $0 per month (we will still occasionally buy a book, but only if my wife can't control her urges to "have it now" :)

I pay a ton of taxes for libraries, I may as well use them.




robtown

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #28 on: January 31, 2014, 06:40:32 PM »
I stopped by my library today to pick up 3 books on CD from series that I'm following.  They now have self serve checkout and I even use the keyring app on the iphone for my library card.

  I usually download audio and kindle books from home.   While I have a grandfathered discount subscription from Audible I always check the library before spending money.

EngineerMum

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #29 on: February 02, 2014, 09:17:58 PM »
For my fellow Aussies, check out other online services from the library. Mine allows you to create an account with Byki using your library card, to learn any of 90 different languages online - totally free. I'm stoked, I've got my recently retired mum signed up at her library too, and we're racing each other through the levels learning Italian. I've also found I can cancel my Choice subscription - they have it for free too, as well as Ancestry.com (though you have to be physically in the library for that I think) and heaps of other things.

Roses

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #30 on: February 03, 2014, 01:55:52 AM »
Love all of the replies, folks. And some great ideas mentioned about additional library resources. My neighborhood has several Little Free Libraries too, meaning nice, doored, wooden stands or boxes that you can add and take books from any time. They are permanent structures and when I walk, it is always interesting to see the books people have placed there. Neat idea, cool little structures, great community builder.

http://www.queenanneview.com/tag/little-free-library/

We love the mini libraries! We regularly go on neighborhood walks to check out what's in each one of them. And my son is always thinking of which one of his books he wants to leave in there for someone else :)  We love the real library too but there's something magical about a tiny library smaller than a dog house!

LibrarIan

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #31 on: February 03, 2014, 08:45:26 PM »
LibrarIan approves of this thread.

SpeedReader

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #32 on: February 04, 2014, 12:05:55 AM »
I was slow to convert to e-books, but my library has a huge selection.  Now I also save the gas money from driving across town to the library.  Not to mention the extra weight in my luggage on business trips!

Threshkin

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Re: Using your local library is SO mustachian!
« Reply #33 on: February 07, 2014, 01:43:05 AM »
I love using our library.  Completely free to use unless you forget to return something and even then it is much cheaper than buying or renting books or videos.  My local branch is an easy bike ride so the car stays home unless we are already out (or it is 3 degrees for a high like today).  I hit the library 1-2 times a week.  They have a fireplace, comfy chairs, and good company.  I can read local and national newspapers, tons of different magazines, attend a wide variety of seminars, even take in free concerts.

What amazes me is how few people take advantage of it even though everyone pays for it.  Darn property taxes.

Just a quick post on our local libraries. I was looking at expenses and tallied my Amazon books and iTunes music spend. Was stunned. Priojected that future spend and was stunned even more. It is so easy to download a book or a CD. Decided to get back into the library habit - paper books, music, movies, ebooks, and more!  Yes, sometimes you have to wait for a book on hold; it is a good way to practice delayed gratification. And I discovered recently that it is even easier to borrow ebooks from my library as our system gets it ebooks from Amazon so super easy and can use the Kindle app instead of the Overdrive library app. In just a couple of months, my spend is down to 0. Moreover, I have been exploring new music and topics - all for free. You can reserve online - so easy. And I love our local library - great old building. Just wanted to share how large your mustache can grow by leveraging the library!

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!