Comments on: Somethin’ for Nothin’

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:40:33 +0000

As a librarian (at a college, although I have also worked in a public library), I would add that many libraries welcome suggestions for book purchases. So if there’s a book they don’t have that you want to read, and you think others will want to read it too, you can suggest the library add it to their collection. Of course, you do then have to wait for the library to review your request, order the book, and process it. But with so many great financial books out there, you can just make a note to check back later.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:44:27 +0000

The library is definitely a great resource to utilize. I live in a big city, so the main library here has tons of books on every topic, and carries nearly all the semi-popular and popular books.

If you’re looking for information rather than reading material, the Internet is often the primary resource, and the library can provide Internet access as well for those who don’t have home Internet.

By: pam munro

pam munro — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:20:56 +0000

P.S. I would love to have as many ways to circulate free used books as I can. I used to be able to trade them in at a local used book store – but now they are crammed to the gills, and rarely accept books anymore! And no one will even buy them at yard sales, etc. sad to say…

By: pam munro

pam munro — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:19:41 +0000

Wish we had that here in L.A. – we don’t as far as I know….or even in Ventura -

By: Marci

Marci — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:11:08 +0000

@pam …fyi – our local library has free no check out paperbacks…. just tell the librarian I grabbed 6 or so, and then I can bring them back whenever I finish them… or not. No accountability for them at all – they just like the numbers for their books circulating numbers. I like to leave a couple in the car for emergency ’stuck here’ reading also :)

By: pam munro

pam munro — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:56:14 +0000

Thinking about another way to get what you need/want has always been my byword! Currently I get my paperback mysteries and so on from thrift shops and used book stores, etc. (At anywhere from $.25 to $.50 to $.99)- because I always incur library FINES! and I like to have a pile of books available to read at any one time. Then I swap with friends – just gave away a bag of classic Brit mysteries – or I have found another book swap shelf at the local college where I take a class. I brought in a big bag and exchanged them for a few. There used to be one in the club house up at the boat – but they remodeled & did away with it! Shame on them.

But there is a branch library around the corner from a regular appt. – & I have thought into looking in again. Hoorah for libraries!

You can also download books from the internet, put on CDs & read on your laptop. I have cached a few funny old ones I ran into – including the bio of Marie Antoinette’s portrait painter – a Mme. LeBrun. Still, the printed page is easier on the eyes….

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:46:37 +0000

Great Post. “Whenever you’re confronted with a need, ask yourself how you can fulfill it without digging out your wallet.” We have really adopted this mentality and it has enabled us to save and control spending while being very flexible with our budget.

It’s all those little daily decisions that make the biggest difference.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:45:34 +0000

YES!!! The library is a great resource for books, movies, magazines, computer use, children and adult programs, craft programs, etc. etc. etc. Your library probably offers some sort of Inter-Library Loan program as well, which is a way to obtain and read a book that your library doesn’t have on the shelf. Your library can “borrow” the book, etc. for you from another library. Sometimes there is a small S&H fee, sometimes not. Check out your libraries website, too. Our libaries’ site has Chilton Online, Tumblebooks, and Ancestory.com and other services – all free for library patrons. Your tax dollars pay for the library – you should use it! (and yes, I am a librarian!)

By: Marci

Marci — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:28:17 +0000

Isn’t it funny how when you tell people there are books, movies, audiobooks, etc, available at the library, they look at you like you are nuts :)

It takes a lot more imagination and flexibility to be able to find the free or low cost alternatives to things we’d like to have or use. Some people won’t take the time nor mental energy to do it – it being ‘easier’ they feel to just whip out the ol’ wallet or plastic :(

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:38 +0000

Swap meets are very popular in the auto hobby (which I love taking part in). It is easy to exchange rare and hard to find parts for other rare and hard to find parts. A great idea, but hard to get enough people together for.