I live in a moderate-sized university city on the West Coast. We have a wonderful library here which is only a few years old and it big and bustling. I often forget that our library has a whole section of several shelves dedicated to books on business–particularly topics related to starting, operating, and staying in business geared toward the small business owner. It’s quite easy to get caught up in the responsibilities and challenges of every day and forget that motivation, education and regeneration for our home businesses might be as near as the local library.
Not only do most all public libraries at least have some books on business–there are probably far more than you’re likely to find in stock at your nearest mega-book store, and they are much closer than ordering a book from an online distributor, but there are also good resources about taxes, state and local zoning and other pertinent laws, and some even have access to the forms and record-keeping information you may need for your particular type of business.
Chances are, your library also has a copy machine so you can copy information or forms you may need instead of having to send away or purchase the entire book. If your time is really tight, you may be able to do your book or topic research online (many larger cities and library systems now have web sites where patrons can look up book titles, availability, put books on hold, etc.) and have a list of books you’d like to check out or read when you get to the library. This can really make your trip and use of the library efficient and constructive.
Don’t overlook the public library when you’re feeling the need for information or inspiration–you won’t have the expense of purchasing a book you may only look at a time or two, and you’ll likely find many more titles on topics related to running your home business than you would anywhere else.