Thanks for visiting me today, I hope you enjoy today’s post and leave a comment. – David
Today will be the first of my challenge to myself to post eight blog posts before September 1 – I hope you will visit me again and add your thoughts, and suggestions. ♥
Did you stop by because you like Free also? Continue reading my friends because this post isn’t just about saving money !
Today’s post began at a workshop relating to libraries in June, one comment has stuck in my mind relating to membership to libraries for residents, Derek said ” Membership is already theirs – residents are automatically accepted as a member.”
A few days later I noticed something different at the bottom of my receipt for my library book – it read “You saved $23 today“. It was referring to the book loan from my local public library ♥
I have seen comments like this before on grocery receipts but I think this is the first time I have noticed this on my library receipt.
It underlined to me one of the reasons I use the library as extensively as I do. I saved $$$.
I like FREE but my library membership does more than save me money – it gives me options, and convenience. It entertains me and educates me!
I like the freedom of taking a book home and if I don’t like it then I can just return it in a few days – no questions asked.
I still like buying books and do so regularly but when I am choosing books I actually shell out dinero for (unless it is Sherlock Holmes related) it takes longer and is a more difficult decision.
In a sense I suppose I see the library card as a “GIFT CARD” that many people don’t take advantage of. I think it only because they don’t realize the benefits and programs of their public libraries – when they learn more they are amazed, and join up! It’s easy also because their membership is automatic – not depending on anything except if you live there! So easy ♥
Our memberships are just waiting for us to activate by presenting themselves at a library and picking it up. Most libraries have websites also so you can reserve your books, and many even email you to renew your book or return it so you don’t forget. Wow!)
If I had a gift card waiting for me – it wouldn’t be waiting long ☻
Libraries have changed since I read “Freddy the Pig” and “Hardy Boy” mysteries. So many more options for members!
I use my library membership on an app called HOOPLA.
Now people use their library memberships for ebooks, and emovies and audiobooks. I am one of those that takes advantage of those options above illustrated in the images above !
Right now I have been listening to the audiobook by Stuart Woods – a prolific writer that I never get tired of, whether I am listening to his audiobooks or reading the hard copies I take out from the library. (top left image)
I am also reading right now a very interesting ebook. There are many books not that don’t make it into ink but you can read them via your library gift card/ membership. This one called Mayberry 101 is all about the episodes on The Andy Griffith Show. It is written by the writers and it is warm and insightful. ( top left image)
The ebook called “Go Down Together” was a recent book I downloaded using Hoopla (using my library membership). It is a documentary all about Bonnie and Clyde – so interesting I could listen to it and didn’t mind doing dishes! (middle image above)
The “Facts of Life” was a movie I watched on Hoopla. An old Bob Hope and Lucille Ball movie ! – two classics I enjoy and my interest was recently tickled listening to a podcast. I write about in another post I called “Lucille Ball – The Plot Thickens” – Link here. (top right image)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Besides “Hoopla” there is another app I use my library membership on for audiobooks and ebooks.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That one one is called Libby. See image below.
Of course anyone who downloads books, movies, ebooks from these apps will appreciate the convenience.
Whether ebooks or audiobooks – searching the catalogue, putting on a hold, taking out an item, or returning an item is done from wherever I am with my phone or desktop – tap tap.
One of coolest features I just L-O-V-E is that when a hold on a book comes up and I am already reading something it gives you the option of delaying it for a week or ten days whatever. I use that often when I am too busy to start something new.
Then it pops up later when I am ready. Perfecto !
Thank you ! for visiting, and I hope you learned a little bit about what else your public libary offers – that where you live automatically entitles you to free membership, which I consider my personal giftcard to movies, ebooks and auiobooks as well as those lovely titles I can hold!
Thanks to my library card membership/ gift card – I always have something to read or listen to that’s interesting, educational or both since I nearly always have my phone with me.
Biggest thanks to you for taking the time to read my blog today! – sincerely, David
Life and Random Thinking 
Libraries are wonderful places
LikeLike
Thanks Sheree – I wholeheartedly concur and I don’t think I need to ask you if you have a library membership. I am confident you do. Thank you for commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLike
Libraries and bookstores are my favourite places. it makes me happy to hear that people are still using them. They are so interactive these days too. Seeing my books on library shelves makes my heart sing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are so alike! I always have a dozen books awaiting their turn! – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still very much enjoy ready the Hardy Boys! I have one that I’ve mentally queued after a batch of books I finish up. Haven’t tried reading ebooks or listening to audiobooks cos having a physical copy and flipping through pages to find a specific passage or sentence or losing your bookmark and trying to figure out where you left off is part of the fun. Haha but maybe I’ll give them a try! We’ll see..
LikeLike
The only benefit of ebooks is they are in your pocket if you have your phone with you, for me that is. But I use the bookmark feature all the time on ebooks, I’d be lost without it! LOL, thank you so much for commenting Alison!
LikeLike
Great tribute to one of every community’s greatest resource. Thanks, David!
LikeLike
Hi Jane, so sorry I was awol for awhile – thanks for your kind comment. I enjoy your blogs immensely! – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
not only read and listen to but also watch, as most libraries have movies on DVD.
I think this “money saving” notice is a way for the Library to basically say……..”Hey, we save you lots of money, maybe you could donate”?
LikeLike
I know libraries need funding and since they don’t charge fees or membership in any form – donations are welcome I agree. In this case I think it was more of reminder and I should know I’m on the board.
That’s cool that you utilize your library well – we even offer board games here, telescopes, and bird watching packs!
Plus we did away with late fees because we wanted to remove any obstacles for membership for residents.
Thank you for commenting Wayne. – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great “ad” for the library. There was a period when libraries were a little hung up in the past. Then they reinvented themselves with the features you mentioned. Not everyone is blessed with a library system like you describe, rural areas especially. I think it is great that your receipt mentioned how much you saved. I should point out that besides donations, libraries do depend on tax dollars and in that way they are not actually free. They are a benefit we are not taking advantage of if we don’t use our libraries!
LikeLike
I agree completely, perhaps the gift card is still an alright analogy – membership is there and it’s up to us as residents if we take advantage of it. I am huge fan of libraries and want them to be well used and of course, their use by the public influences their funding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grew up with a mom who valued education and made sure all of her kids did too. Going to the library was an exciting expedition undertaken regularly. We even took my neighbor best friend who credits my mother with her love of reading; she became a language arts teacher. Libraries are to be treasured along with the resources they house. I’m so glad you brought up this important topic.
LikeLike
♥♥ Such a wonderful warm comment. My memories of the library go back to my childhood also. The East Hastings library in Vancouver. We used to go every Saturday, and sometimes I took the bus and walked home so I got to keep the 15 cents bus fare. Three for a penny candy in those days. LOL I remember doing origami at the library then. Thank you for adding your thoughts and encouragement. – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even though I’m an author, who hopes to sell books, I also appreciate that free options are essential for readers, including me! It can get expensive to only buy books, so I borrow books from my local library all the time. I use Libby and Overdrive for my ebooks, and love the endless topics and titles I can now access.
LikeLike
Thanks Debra. I thought of you specifically as I wrote this post. You are an author and I admire that you do that. I love to see Canadian authors in the library and being appreciated and supported whether via digital or paper copies! Many authors now I think choose ebook publishing and library users can read via digital access.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, ebooks has allowed me to find a whole new roster of readers who much prefer ebooks, which is great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi David,
Great post!! I love the library, and I am spoiled as I live just a couple of blocks away.
I didn’t know about Hoopla and Libby… thank you for that… I am going to check it out!!
Blessings to you!
LikeLike
Another comment mentioned Overdrive – that might be another option for you. Living close to a library is nice. I live in a small city so I am close also. Blessings to you my friend!
LikeLike
I used to volunteer at our little island library. It was small as it started out in what used to be the island barbershop…eventually a beautiful addition was added..I love ‘getting lost’ amongst the books..
LikeLike
That sounds so nice, sweet and peaceful. Thank you for sharing that comment. ♥ – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life like curling up in a corner with a good book or browsing library selections like a kid in a candy store? Sad to say that this is a vanishing art.
Thanks for the interesting post.
LikeLike
It does seem like a vanishing art. But obviously to me you have done some curling up with a great book and we have that in common! Thank you so much for your kind comment. – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how whimsical I can be at libraries! I can follow my passion, even as my passions change from week to week! Following my curiosity, and my boys get to follow their curiosities too! I love all of the extra “free” stuff, this week we took out a telescope! Can you believe it?
LikeLike
I agree completely. Since it’s all free and accessible. A buffet of choices to nibble and no calories! Have fun with the telescope – it may work even better in the winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person