Getting ReAcquainted with the Library
I used to go to my local library ALL the time. I love to read and I’ve always had the frugal mindset of why buy a book when I can get it at the library? I usually only read books once (except a few great ones) but I can always check them out more than once from my library.
While living in Kansas City I got very spoiled with the Mid-Continent Public Library. They have dozens of libraries in the Kansas City, Missouri area and I was able to go online to reserve the books or movies whenever I thought of it (sometimes in the middle of the night when I had tiny babies). When they came in I would be notified by email and able to walk right in and pick up the books without having to hunt for them. The books didn’t have to be from my preferred branch either! If the book was available across town I just had to wait a day (or two) for the book to be brought to ME! It was awesome. I loved it!
I also loved that they had some great programs that I was able to attend. I got into couponing by accident when attending one of these sessions. And I am SO grateful for it.
Since starting school three years ago, I haven’t been as in tune with my local library. I would have LOVED to go and check out books for leisurely reading, BUT I had homework, and two small kids that took up ALL of my spare time that I previously used on reading.
The other thing I LOVE about the library? I can reserve things I want to try before I buy! A lot of libraries carry a wide range of DVD’s or even cookbooks. I am not much of a cook, but when I had our first child I tried out all sorts of baby food cookbooks! I made most of our daughters food until she was 2 years old. It is shocking since I am NOT a cook. I also tried out the Signing Time DVD’s and various how to teach your baby to sign type books. I wanted to sign with my firstborn and this gave me a great intro to signing with my baby and gave me enough information to let me make an informed decision about spending all that money on my own set!
Well, I’m here to say I can’t wait to get re-involved with the library again. I know that I’m still in classes, but hopefully by fall I will have this step behind me and I’ll be able to start taking the kids to the library and story times. I think it will be great!
To get started I went online to Mid-Continent Public Library and reserved some learning DVD’s for my children. I’m tired of the movies they choose to watch during our commute and I’m hoping they will like some more educational ones. But before I spend the money I’m going to test them out! If they don’t like them, I return them before my time is up- I don’t have to worry about being out how much ever they cost. AND I won’t have to find someone else to pawn the DVD’s I purchased off on. It’s a win-win in my eyes.
I don’t have to leave my house, and comb through the library looking for just the right thing. I reserved the right thing online and now I just have to wait to be notified they are ready for pickup! Makes trips to the library with a 3 year old bearable!!
Do you use your local library or do you buy all the books and DVD’s you want before trying them out?
