In the previous article I talked about some tricks that you can use to save even more when you use your local public library. Among the tips were ways to save on late fees and on gas. Here is one more tip on late fees: ask the library to wave the fee! If you don’t make a habit of it, then they probably will be happy to remove the fee for you. That is a neat little secret, huh?
Here are some more frugal library tips.
Secret stuff
Did you know that many libraries have all sort of secret stuff to lend? The libraries tend not to announce these items, either because they don’t think many people will check them out or because they are afraid that many people will! Among secret items that libraries may lend are memberships to nearby attractions, such as amusement parts, historical sites, botanical gardens, and sometimes even theater events. Some libraries will lend audio-visual equipment and laptops. Others will lend tools. The secret is to get to know the library workers and just ask.
Avoid check out fees
Some libraries charge check out fees for certain items. Sometimes these fees are for those “hot” books that everyone wants, and other times these fees are for CDs, DVDs or VHS movies. You can avoid these fees in one of two ways.
You can volunteer at the library in some capacity. I cataloged and wrote movie descriptions for one library, for example. Someone on volunteer status usually doesn’t have to pay any fees.
Request an item through interlibrary loan from a library that doesn’t have fees. Instead of picking up that book at my local library that would have cost me 50 cents, I simply requested it from another library. I still picked it up at my local library and returned it there as well. But I didn’t have to pay any fees.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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