Apr 10
1
I figured for the first entry, I would pick a place I already go often, and very much enjoy (why not ease into this blogging thing?). So, our first thing to do for free is…. visit the library!
The Library? Yes, in Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Library District. You may not know this, but our library is one of the best public libraries there are. You don’t believe me? When I was in college, I went to a public library (which shall remain unnamed to protect the incompetent) in Southern California. Their idea of a fiction section was a couple of those revolving book racks, with sad looking, overused paperback romance and sci-fi books. That’s it. Apparently in Southern California, if you aren’t a kid, the only reason you go to the library is to research papers and things. So no one who is not in school goes. Crazy.
But back to our wonderful (free) library. You can browse through a huge selection of books. If they do not have the one you want, you can place it on hold, and you will be added to the queue. This is extremely handy if you want a popular book. They even will Interlibrary loan books from other libraries. I never quite am able to take it all in. You can wander among the stacks, just taking in the immensity of knowledge contained in the building. It is great.
There are also a lot of helpful non-fiction books. I have checked out books about computer software, naval knowledge, knitting, house decorating, exercising, etc. Why pay for those expensive how-to books when you will only read them once to learn the technique, and then they become awesome paperweights?! Save money! Check it out of the library.
“But I don’t like to read much,” you say. Never fear! The library also has computers that you can use, and free Wi-fi to bring your laptop (Also helpful if you are too broke to afford internet at home). There are CDs and DVDs (even VHS for those of you stuck in the 1980′s). The selection on those is less spectacular, but you may find some weird genre that you don’t even know you like. They even carry some XBox games! So you can try out the game for free, or if you are one of those people who beats the game in a day, save money and just check it out. Also, my library even has a small cafe in the front, so you can eat or drink too.
The library is also home to a bunch of free activities like foreign language groups, homework helpers, classes, speakers, and even art exhibits. There are often free contests to enter (I just got a free Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory candy bar and a free mug for reading a handful of books – and if you are really desperate, you can lie!), with even more options for teens (which I am not).
The only time the library costs money is if you keep your books too long, or you lose your library card (and sometimes they even waive that fee). Which is your own fault, and totally preventable.
I love books. If I bought every book I wanted to read, I would be in debt thousands of dollars. With the library, I can indulge my reading addiction, try out books that I am not as sure about, and not pay any money. What a bargain! And my library is only a few blocks away, so I can even walk there, which saves on gas, helps the environment, AND is exercise. Now, if they only had dog parking…
Libraries are a great resource, I tend to buy every book I desire at Amazon but it would make more sense to get a lot of them at the library (esp fiction)
Seize the Day,
Rob
Simple Family Survival Tips For Disasters and Emergencies
Great post. I like the library too, because there is so much there that is free. With budget cuts happening all over because of the economy, I just hope the library doesn’t suffer too much.
Tim Van Milligan
Make Money God’s Way – http://www.MakeMoneyGodsWay.com
I am a huge nerd! I LOVE the library!!!
I have to use that website until my new one gets online. I probably messed it up somehow.
Funny for me you began with the library. I was in library school last year and would have finished but I ran out of money and my employer stopped tuition reimbursement program due to the economic downturn.
Obviously I love the library and planned to work in one ’til I can’t work any more! I love books too! Your comment about VHS and the ’80′s? Hey, I resemble that comment!!!
Nice page.
Peggy
And it is a GREAT place to meet people…I think libraries are romantic. The one I went to in Riverside, IL was in a beautiful old building, filled with antiques and comfortable chairs. It also rented lots of books on tapes for those drives in Chicago traffic!! Yeah, libraries.
Sonya Lenzo
http://www.yourchanceforromance.com
Untill I read your post I can not even remember the last time I even thought of a library or even going to one. Its cool that in your area there are many other medias other than just books. Thanks for the information.
https://scottbellconsultant.com
What a great opportunity to also learn about your area that you are in! (whether home or traveling). Plus I love libraries! We use our local one to check out DVDs… everything from current movies to tv episodes! I also will check out audiobooks for long trips.
Enhance the fun by striking up a conversation with someone else and persuade them to join you in talking loudly and then running away from any silence-enforcing librarians! =) [just kidding… well, kinda)
Mark
Building Long-term Profitable Relationships
I have to say that I only visit the libary when I am in need of information that I cannot find without going there. That being said my wife loves the libary and would allways take our 6 children there each week and they would all come home with a load of books. I will allways be gratefull for that.
Oh man, I used to live right next door to a library when I lived in the U.S. and man do I miss it! I would walk there with my children and get them books and videos on all sorts of subjects. They would find things that fascinated them every time we went. I could check things out online and have it waiting there for me when I walked in the door. If they didn’t have it, I could request it from another library and it would magically show up later that week. Audio books, movies, documentaries, books on how to do anything conceivable (and many inconceivable things) not to mention all the guest speakers and activities they would have. Millions of things to do for free. I’ve been all over the world and there’s nothing comparable to libraries in America. Oh library, I miss you…
Shane
What a great endorsement for libraries!
I love libraries & am fortunate that here in Las Vegas they now offer free
downloads of ebooks & audiobooks & programs on mp3 for 21 days
before the download expires.
Talk about an incredible free resource!
I had no idea that some libraries offer free WiFi.
That’s fantastic news~
Thanks for such a great little gem of an article.
Michael
http://TheSuccessSecrets.net
Libraries are great for getting the information you want for free.
Jose Escalante
I agree! The library is such a great resource for so many people. I remember when I was in college if I wanted to rent a movie I went to the library…because it was free and I was a struggling college student!
I would like to encourage everyone to support their local library through donations and by voting yes when the libary in your area needs to pass a bond. Remember, books feed your head.
Yours In Health!
Dr. Wendy
http://www.KettleBellOlympia.com
Michelle,
The library is awesome. We have an extensive library system here in Seattle and King County. My kids are always asking to spend time at the library. Of course I always find stuff to read and my kids get a lot of research done.
Sabrina Peterson
Fat Burning Home Workouts
In one of my posts last year, I mentioned the library as a wonderful FREE place to visit. One of the great benefits to the library these days is the Pass Program! Does your library have something like this? THey have discount or free passes to most of the museums and attractions around. It is a huge money saver.
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services, Nanny Services, and Nanny agencies
I don’t think ours does, but I will have to look into it. Thanks for the idea!
Michelle
This is great! Everything today seems to cost so much. The library is an amazing place to go. There is always something new to read or learn!
Mike Casey
http://www.stemcelltherapyresearch.com
Oh Yes! One of my all time favorite freebies! We grew up going to the library. It was always such a marvelous adventure. So many adventures, fantasies, learning, and imagination stimulation there.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Dating Expert and Online Dating Coach
I used to love the library. Read a lot and used to do a lot of research in the library. One of the bad things about computers is now I stay home and do all the research.
Mike Norris
http://www.ColumbiaSafetyProducts.com/blog
Just think, all the knowledge in the world is available in the library for free. People simply need to take advantage of it.
Steve Chambers
Body Language Specialist
I absolutely love going to the library. So much for fee and a great place to meet neighbors and friends.
Bob
Make Time for Your Health Now or Make Time for Sickness and Disease Later. Your Choice
I LOVE books! and since lots of books are in libraries – I LOVE libraries!
And I love the silence of the libraries…
Sounds like your library is a fantastic place to go to:
- to get books,
- to have a snack,
- to surf the net,
– to just get away from the constant noise and stress of everyday life!
Also I love the title of your blog – Always interested in anything good for FREE! I look forward to reading what else you have to share….
Good libraries are an ESL/EFL/ESOL teacher’s (and student’s) best friend,
Eileen O’Neill
Using Social Media in ESL / EFL / ESOL
http:///www.EslLessonUsingSocialMedia.com
Books and library are great.
I always LOVE the art section in the library.
Interesting blog title!
Hui Hui
http://chiahuihui.com/
Michelle,
I just remembered the greatest thing about libraries…inter-library loans. I remember yeas ago there was an out of print, hard to find book that I had heard “rumors” about. I wasn’t even sure if it actually existed (this was in the late 80′s befoe the advent of the Internet). I went to the reference desk of my local library and they had the book sent up, to washington, from a college in southern California…this was all done for free! I would suggest to everyone reading your blog that they support their local library.
Yours In Health!
Dr. Wendy
http://www.kettlebellolympia.com