At a time when we are all feeling the pinch it’s nice to know that your library offers you something for virtually nothing. Evan Davis, BBC Dragon’s Den presenter comments
10 ways your public library can save you money
At a time when we are all feeling the pinch it's nice to know that you can go somewhere that offers you something for virtually nothing.
There's evidence that when the economy is down library use increases and there are plenty of reasons why people turn to this invaluable service.
Here are just some of the many ways that public libraries can save all of us money and inspire and stimulate at the same time.
Here are 10 examples:
- It's estimated that borrowing instead of buying two books and two DVDs each month could save someone more than £30.
- Planning a holiday or a day trip? Rather than buy a map or travel guide get one from the library.
- Instead of a magazine subscription visit the library – some magazines can also be borrowed for up to a week.
- School holidays can be expensive, but some libraries offer advice for parents on inexpensive things to do with the kids.
- Socialising isn't always cheap, but joining a reading group is a cost-free way of meeting people and broadening your mind. There are 95,000 people in library linked groups and the number of groups has doubled in the last four years.
- You can learn a language for a fraction of the price you might pay otherwise if you borrow a selection of courses in audio format.
- Why not take up a hobby that doesn't cost you money? For instance you can research your family history at the local library with staff on hand to suggest useful sources?
- There are plenty of free ways to keep babies and toddlers amused and stimulated through activities such as singing songs and rhymes and storytelling.
- You might be using the internet for price comparison websites, but you can browse for free at the library and the staff can suggest some pages to look at.
- Some library services let you borrow a smart meter to measure your how much electricity you use at home – useful knowledge if you want to make economies.
Evan Davis, BBC Dragon's Den presenter, said: "It would be quite an unusual person who couldn't find something to stimulate the mind or interest them at the local library. The credit crunch is the perfect time to use the library to pursue a hobby, or take up an activity, that is either completely free or doesn't cost very much money."
Roy Clare, MLA Chief Executive said: "Your neighbourhood public library is well worth a visit. There's something for everyone and each library is tailored to serve its local community. Whether you go there to read or borrow a book, to browse the internet, to study and learn, to scan the newspapers or simply to dream, your library is there for you.
"Libraries are free to enter and offer services that enlighten, entertain, inform and save you money. They are also great places to start if you want to find a new job. Expert, friendly, helpful staff can direct you towards useful reference sources and offer advice and help with your research, both from stocks on the shelves and on the web."
Ends
Notes to editor:
1. If you want to find out how much you are actually saving Norfolk County Council have even produced a budget planner so that you can track the cost of borrowing compared to buying. http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/consumption/groups/public/documents/general_resources/NCC062825.xls