Ode to the Library

2014.09.09

Some people have been using one of the best free resources out there.

I wasn’t one of them.

I knew that the library was awesome, and that there were a lot of great things that you could check out, but I didn’t quite believe it or utilize it.

Don’t get me wrong – I didn’t go out and buy a bunch of books or movies, but I was missing out on the cornucopia that was available to me.

When we moved to Abbotsford, we realized we were a 5 minute walk from the library, and my dear husband encouraged me to go with him one night to check it out.

I fell in love that night.

I walked into the library and realized that there were a ton of free resources available! I could rent a movie, check out a book, learn about whatever I wanted to, and not spend a single dollar. It was mind-blowing.

Let me tell you some of the perks of and the resources that the library offers:Photo 2014-09-06, 5 57 01 PM

1. It’s FREE.

I know that sounds funny, because it’s common knowledge, but seriously people – FREE. When you are getting out of debt, this should be music to your ears.

2. Expansive book collection

This is what a library is known for – but for me, this has always been something I have loved. I could spend hours in a bookstore – I love that I can find books on any topic that I can read and learn from.

3. DVD collection

Okay – seriously – you can check out movies and seasons of shows from the library. We’re not talking just old movies – I rented some great movies and shows that have been released in the past 2 years that I either wanted to see or had seen and didn’t own.

I know that a lot of people have Netflix these days – but we don’t. So when we want to watch a movie, we go to a mom-and-pop video rental place and pay $1 or $2 – which is still a good deal compared to going to the theatre. But it can’t compare with free.

(P.S. We rented Downton Abbey – what could be better? They had all three seasons – that’s hours of fun right there!)

4. Exercise DVDs

I’m working on being more healthy and exercising more, and I’ll admit that sometimes I would rather not leave my house. But, I can rent DVDs that I can work out to in the safety of my own home. I can rent new ones all the time and not get sick of a workout. (Bonus: I can turn it off if I’m done – not worrying about walking/running home or driving home from the gym!)

5. Free internet

If you don’t have internet in your house, usually, you’d go to Starbucks, right? (I would/do when I need to.) Instead, you can get an hour of free internet access at the library. Total score. (No coffee buying required!)

6. Books on tape/CD

If you commute a lot and wish you had time to read books, consider books on tape! You can listen while you drive or transit, and “read” all those books that you’ve always wanted to get around to.

7. Bonus: Fraser Valley Regional Library

If you live in the Lower Mainland, all the FVRL branches are connected, so you can check out books/movies/resources from any branch in the LM.

So if you live near a small branch (like, cough, Walnut Grove), you can reserve books from other branches and not miss out on all the great things that are out there!

The Verdict

I’m in love with the library. I want to go every week.

I know that I’m usually really frugal, but I am working on saving money wherever I can. I believe that the library can help me fill the void inside of me that wants to rent movies and get new books without spending a penny.

Now that’s a good deal.

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