My co-blogger Miriam wrote a great post a while back about reading books on finances to keep you informed and motivated on your own personal financial journey. She wrote about specific books and a magazine that you can subscribe to, and I’ve found her information valuable.
However, my book budget this month is zero. Well, I could probably squeeze out about $10.00, but basically I don’t have money to spend on books.
What to do? Here’s my advice:
Rediscover the libraries in your town.
1. We all know about the public library. Make sure you have a current library card and in most towns now you can go online and reserve books so that they are waiting for you when you go in to check them out. You no longer have to go stand in line at the library to discover they don’t have your book in stock – go online and reserve!
2. Private library collections. Many towns have private collections that are open to the public. In our town we have several museums – an history museum and an art museum that allows visitors to come browse and read the books. I know that in the art museum you can find books on valuing art and advice on getting appraisals.
3. College libraries. Find out about your college and university libraries. You don’t have to be a student to go in and read a book. Find out how you can belong to check something out – or ask a student friend.
4. Library sales. All libraries sell their books as they get worn or out of date. In the village where my parents live you can buy books for only pennies at their yearly library fund raiser. Ask you library when they sell their books – and stand in line early to get the best.
And remember – most libraries have a wealth of free movies, magazines, reference materials and a librarian to help you find the answers to all kinds of questions – financial and otherwise.
Best of all – it’s free!
The importance of reading
Tips for promoting reading (and more on the library)