Have you ever wondered how much money you can save by using library resources?
If you are looking for ways to trim expenses, you may be surprised to learn you probably already have a valuable tool in your wallet — your library card.
Everyone knows that libraries are great places to go for books, whether for pleasure reading or to learn something new. But do you know what else your library has to offer?
In the spirit of Money Smart Week, April 21-28, I thought I would share some of my favorite online library resources that I use to keep my budget in line, all of which are available through the Library’s website at mybcpl.org.
The Bartholomew County Public Library has many online resources that I use to save money. The most well-known online resource is probably the Overdrive e-book and audiobook collection.
The library has more than 27,000 titles — in many genres and for all ages — available to download to your mobile device using the Overdrive App, compatible with iOS, Android and Kindle. With your library card, you can read or listen to the latest popular titles in just a few short steps.
Overdrive has also developed a new streamlined app called Libby that library patrons can use to borrow e-books and audiobooks. Libby is touted by Overdrive as, “The one-tap reading app from your library.” Libby is also compatible with iOS and Android devices, with Kindle compatibility coming soon. Both apps feature the same great collection of e-book and audiobook titles.
Another of my favorite online resources is the digital magazine collection available through RBdigital. There are dozens of magazines to choose from, including popular entertainment titles such as Cosmopolitan, HGTV and Rachel Ray Every Day, and business titles such as Kiplinger’s, Entrepreneur and The Economist.
Health and fitness magazines more your style? Choose from titles such as Yoga Journal, Runner’s World, Veg News and Weight Watchers to keep you motivated and eating well. Get the new RBdigital app for your mobile device and start saving money on expensive magazines today.
If you like music, television or movies, try Hoopla. With your library card, you can borrow eight titles every month to stream on your computer or download to your device. Hoopla also offers e-books, audiobooks and comics.
Even more exciting, Hoopla’s latest update includes an app for Roku, Apple and Fire TV. Using your library card and the app, you can watch borrowed titles on your smart TV.
You may be wondering how much these resources will save you. Check out the “library value calculator” on the American Library Association website ala.org. The library calculator puts a dollar value on resources such as books, music and movies, but also includes databases, programs, reference questions, meeting rooms and more.
In a given week, I usually have at least six books, four DVDs and many digital titles checked out, which have a combined value of $393.65. Select which library resources you use and find out how much money you can save.
You can find free, fun and educational programs at mybcpl.org/events. And, if you need more information or help getting started, don’t forget that the library staff is also a valuable resource. Stop in at the main location, Hope Branch or Bookmobile for a library card and start saving today.
Sandy Allman is a reference librarian at Bartholomew County Public Library and can be reached at sallman@mybcpl.org.
