I love public libraries because I love books, but I also love the public library because I save so much money by using it. As is the case with many public libraries, at the Wichita Public Library library cards are free, and except for overdue fines if we don’t get things back on time, that’s our only cost to use the library. Here are 10 ways our family has saved money at our local public library. There we can:
- Borrow books for all ages. The library has board books, picture books, chapter books, novels and nonfiction for kids, as well as fiction and nonfiction for teens and adults, including large print books and other resources for people with visual handicaps.
- Enjoy free programs, including storytimes, films, puppet shows and other performances for children, as well as lectures, programs and book clubs for adults.
- Check out DVDs of movies instead of buying or renting them. You'll find feature-length movies, including movies based on children's books like Coraline and The Tale of Despereaux, as well as excellent shorter movies based on children’s literature, nature movies for kids, and more.
- Get advice from librarians about good books for children, teens and adults. Our library also provides all kinds of reading lists of recommended books, from books for Black History Month to books for specific grade levels. Many public libraries also provide recommended reading lists on their Web sites.
- Buy gently used books at the annual Friends of the Library book sale. We have found hardbound children’s books there for as little as 25 cents. It's wonderful to be able to find children's books at bargain prices.
- Read magazines. This is big for me because I tend to buy too many magazines. By previewing magazines at the library, I can limit myself to only buying the ones that I want to keep.
- Borrow music CDs, from showtunes and popular music to music for kids and classical music.
- Enjoy audiobooks for all ages. It’s fun to share an audiobook that the whole family can enjoy while you’re on a long car trip. It’s also nice to gather together as a family and enjoy the classics. Adults and teens also often like listening to audiobooks while they exercise. Many audiobooks for kids come with the print version so kids can read along as they listen. The benefits of audiobooks are many, particularly for struggling readers.
- Keep the kids happily occupied – and reading throughout the summer with the library’s summer reading programs. Our library’s program includes all kinds of special activities for younger kids as well as teens. Enjoy summer reading fun at the library.
- Borrow framed prints of artwork. That service is available at our main library where free technology classes are also available.
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"Give a child the desire to read; it is a lifelong gift of inestimable worth and love.
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