Comments on: The One Hour Project: Take A Trip To The Library http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:46:50 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Julia http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-817415 Julia Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:33:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-817415 thinking of linking to this post in an upcoming examiner article. thinking of linking to this post in an upcoming examiner article.

]]> By: Savvy Frugality http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65946 Savvy Frugality Mon, 03 Sep 2007 23:04:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65946 I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendations for Total Money Makeover and the Tightwad Gazette. In fact, I purchased all three editions of the Tightwad Gazette on Half.com because I wanted to keep them for reference material. The Tightwad Gazette is like the Bible of Frugality. I would also recommend "America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money" by Steve and Annette Economides, which is very similar to the Tightwad Gazette in its approach. Most of their advice deals with shopping with coupons, buying clothes from thrift stores, etc., but there is a lot of good advice about how to save money. I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendations for Total Money Makeover and the Tightwad Gazette. In fact, I purchased all three editions of the Tightwad Gazette on Half.com because I wanted to keep them for reference material. The Tightwad Gazette is like the Bible of Frugality. I would also recommend “America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money” by Steve and Annette Economides, which is very similar to the Tightwad Gazette in its approach. Most of their advice deals with shopping with coupons, buying clothes from thrift stores, etc., but there is a lot of good advice about how to save money.

]]> By: Sue http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65799 Sue Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:16:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65799 I have recently rediscovered my small, childhood library. Fortunately, the library system has come a long way - online searches throughout multi-counties! I can put any book on hold for $0.75, and it usually is waiting for me within the week at my sweet little local library. Plus I've discovered tons of new music borrowing CD's, which I load up on iTunes within minutes. I've saved money and valuable space! Love it! I have recently rediscovered my small, childhood library. Fortunately, the library system has come a long way – online searches throughout multi-counties! I can put any book on hold for $0.75, and it usually is waiting for me within the week at my sweet little local library. Plus I’ve discovered tons of new music borrowing CD’s, which I load up on iTunes within minutes. I’ve saved money and valuable space! Love it!

]]> By: nadine http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65645 nadine Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:34:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65645 I have been using my local library system for the last several years. I check book websites for the newest bestsellers and other books of interest and then request them online. I get to read them for free and if I don't like the book, (or DVD), I haven't lost anything. It is a great resource and satisfies my urge to shop! I have been using my local library system for the last several years. I check book websites for the newest bestsellers and other books of interest and then request them online. I get to read them for free and if I don’t like the book, (or DVD), I haven’t lost anything. It is a great resource and satisfies my urge to shop!

]]> By: beth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65409 beth Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:36:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65409 Hooray for all the pro-library posts! I used to live in a state that has pretty widely-varying funding for libraries on a county-by-county basis. It's often possible to purchase an annual membership to a library system to which you would otherwise not have access (say, if you live in county A but want a card in county B). The fee was pretty reasonable, about 40 bucks, if you consider how much it saves. Also, ever had a problem with multiple cards and accounts? Check out libraryelf - you can have it track multiple cards and systems, and get emails about when your stuff is due. It rocks. Hooray for all the pro-library posts! I used to live in a state that has pretty widely-varying funding for libraries on a county-by-county basis. It’s often possible to purchase an annual membership to a library system to which you would otherwise not have access (say, if you live in county A but want a card in county B). The fee was pretty reasonable, about 40 bucks, if you consider how much it saves.

Also, ever had a problem with multiple cards and accounts? Check out libraryelf – you can have it track multiple cards and systems, and get emails about when your stuff is due. It rocks.

]]> By: Mike http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65387 Mike Sun, 02 Sep 2007 16:21:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65387 I like browsing in a big library, too. But find the time and reasons to use your local one. Public libraries in this country survive on statistics; that is visits and circulation. The way to get the books (or materials) you would like your local to have is to go there and express an interest. Not all library systems are created equal of course, but the small, rural library where I work (you guessed that, right?) will purchase any book a patron requests within reason. Even if we don't or can't buy it, we'll jump through hoops to get you a copy to read. I know, you want it now, but save the trips to the big city for those things you just can't wait for and utilize the local for the rest. As far as personal finance and thrifty living goes, your local public library is the best bargain around. I like browsing in a big library, too. But find the time and reasons to use your local one. Public libraries in this country survive on statistics; that is visits and circulation. The way to get the books (or materials) you would like your local to have is to go there and express an interest. Not all library systems are created equal of course, but the small, rural library where I work (you guessed that, right?) will purchase any book a patron requests within reason. Even if we don’t or can’t buy it, we’ll jump through hoops to get you a copy to read. I know, you want it now, but save the trips to the big city for those things you just can’t wait for and utilize the local for the rest. As far as personal finance and thrifty living goes, your local public library is the best bargain around.

]]> By: Bellen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65349 Bellen Sun, 02 Sep 2007 13:56:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65349 Another often overlooked reason to use your public library - you pay for it with your taxes!! Also, with many communities facing financial problems, libraries are often targeted for reductions in funding. Keeping users numbers high means less chance of closing/reducing hours at libraries. Another often overlooked reason to use your public library – you pay for it with your taxes!!
Also, with many communities facing financial problems, libraries are often targeted for reductions in funding. Keeping users numbers high means less chance of closing/reducing hours at libraries.

]]> By: Rudi Pittman http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65274 Rudi Pittman Sun, 02 Sep 2007 06:46:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65274 I wanted to point out that if you use firefox and greasemonkey there are several "library" scripts available at "userscripts.org" that will automatically tell you if your local library has a book while you are browsing the amazon.com book section. This is particularly useful when looking at the "bestsellers" or "new releases". In most cases all you have to do is grab the library script and change the url to what your local library uses for an direct ISBN search. Many of the script users will create a new version for a specific library if you ask them also. I wanted to point out that if you use firefox and greasemonkey there are several “library” scripts available at “userscripts.org” that will automatically tell you if your local library has a book while you are browsing the amazon.com book section. This is particularly useful when looking at the “bestsellers” or “new releases”.

In most cases all you have to do is grab the library script and change the url to what your local library uses for an direct ISBN search. Many of the script users will create a new version for a specific library if you ask them also.

]]> By: Mary http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65238 Mary Sun, 02 Sep 2007 03:28:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65238 Most libraries have a subscription to Consumer Reports, which can really help when considering big-ticket purchases. Ask the librarian for help finding articles about specific types of items. And, a fabulous link: http://worldcat.org/ A compiled catalog of over 10,000 library systems worldwide. Its also great if you're traveling without a computer and need to find a local place with free computer access. Most libraries have a subscription to Consumer Reports, which can really help when considering big-ticket purchases. Ask the librarian for help finding articles about specific types of items.

And, a fabulous link:
http://worldcat.org/
A compiled catalog of over 10,000 library systems worldwide. Its also great if you’re traveling without a computer and need to find a local place with free computer access.

]]> By: Amanda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65230 Amanda Sun, 02 Sep 2007 02:58:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65230 I check out finance books almost every week. One problem I've had is that there is so much conflicting advice in them and I'm only beginning to be able to discern the wheat from the chaff (not really with the frugality themed books, but with the investing books) And still have far to go, but am also learning from this blog and some other finance blogs. I'm going to look for the Boglehead book this week! I know the two libraries I use don't have it but will see if another one in our system does and I can request it. I check out finance books almost every week. One problem I’ve had is that there is so much conflicting advice in them and I’m only beginning to be able to discern the wheat from the chaff (not really with the frugality themed books, but with the investing books) And still have far to go, but am also learning from this blog and some other finance blogs. I’m going to look for the Boglehead book this week! I know the two libraries I use don’t have it but will see if another one in our system does and I can request it.

]]> By: Avlor http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65210 Avlor Sun, 02 Sep 2007 02:02:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65210 This is one of my favorite "need to get away from the children trips" I make whenever I can. I have two books (Bogleheads and Overspent American) I'm trying to read before I have to take them back. Our library just got a downloadable video service. Looking forward to trying it out on the next bad weather day. Being a frugal person, I've also been supplying my local branch with grocery bags that can be used to carry books or keep books dry on a rainy day. Why throw them away when they can be used again? This is one of my favorite “need to get away from the children trips” I make whenever I can. I have two books (Bogleheads and Overspent American) I’m trying to read before I have to take them back.

Our library just got a downloadable video service. Looking forward to trying it out on the next bad weather day.

Being a frugal person, I’ve also been supplying my local branch with grocery bags that can be used to carry books or keep books dry on a rainy day. Why throw them away when they can be used again?

]]> By: Lise http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65197 Lise Sun, 02 Sep 2007 01:20:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65197 I discovered the joys of the public library recently, and one of the first things I did was take out <em>The Tightwad Gazette</em> (which my library had) and <em>Your Money or Your Life</em> (which I was able to order from another local library). I too have generally been able to find anything I like from our library system, which spans all the libraries in central and Western Massachusetts. Going to the library is great because you can walk home with ten books without paying a cent. It makes me fill rich and fulfilled. I discovered the joys of the public library recently, and one of the first things I did was take out The Tightwad Gazette (which my library had) and Your Money or Your Life (which I was able to order from another local library). I too have generally been able to find anything I like from our library system, which spans all the libraries in central and Western Massachusetts.
Going to the library is great because you can walk home with ten books without paying a cent. It makes me fill rich and fulfilled.

]]> By: Kate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65194 Kate Sun, 02 Sep 2007 01:05:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65194 Don't miss the most valuable resource of all--the reference librarian! She (or he) knows about the hidden treasures of the collection like the online databases that give you free access to magazine subscriptions from home and the investment materials like Valueline. If you can't find something you want/need, don't assume it's not available--ask the reference librarian. If your library really doesn't have it they may even be willing to buy it for the collection. Don’t miss the most valuable resource of all–the reference librarian! She (or he) knows about the hidden treasures of the collection like the online databases that give you free access to magazine subscriptions from home and the investment materials like Valueline. If you can’t find something you want/need, don’t assume it’s not available–ask the reference librarian. If your library really doesn’t have it they may even be willing to buy it for the collection.

]]> By: Cory http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65191 Cory Sun, 02 Sep 2007 01:01:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65191 Thanks, Trent. As a librarian, I'd also point out that once you have a library card, you will often have access to a vast collection of online proprietary databases, including financial reports, WSJ and business databases. Also, since many of the popular and interesting items will not be on the shelves, you can use the online hold function to search for and set aside titles for you to pick up when they're available. Finally, those of you with kids will often find toys and games available for checkout, as well as age-appropriate "live" programs, like story hours, puppet shows, music, craft projects, and teen workshops. Thanks, Trent.

As a librarian, I’d also point out that once you have a library card, you will often have access to a vast collection of online proprietary databases, including financial reports, WSJ and business databases.

Also, since many of the popular and interesting items will not be on the shelves, you can use the online hold function to search for and set aside titles for you to pick up when they’re available.

Finally, those of you with kids will often find toys and games available for checkout, as well as age-appropriate “live” programs, like story hours, puppet shows, music, craft projects, and teen workshops.

]]> By: FIRE Finance http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65185 FIRE Finance Sun, 02 Sep 2007 00:31:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65185 Nice list of books. Another great book which is easy to read and very effective is "Work Less, Live More" by Bob Clyatt. This book has changed our lives. We have one life to live and we had rather lead it well so that we enjoy it. A balance between work and life, good management of personal finances and retiring early are very well handled in a simple way. Cheers, FIRE Finance Nice list of books. Another great book which is easy to read and very effective is “Work Less, Live More” by Bob Clyatt. This book has changed our lives.

We have one life to live and we had rather lead it well so that we enjoy it. A balance between work and life, good management of personal finances and retiring early are very well handled in a simple way.
Cheers,
FIRE Finance

]]> By: guinness416 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65170 guinness416 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 23:21:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65170 Like Margaret above I find our library system to be a treasure trove of cheap entertainment. Every book I've ever looked for, recent films and TV shows (including 1980s masterpiece Strumpet City, one of the best TV series ever made), documentaries, CDs to fill my iTunes and all delivered to the branch around the corner from me. Outstanding. While I think everyone should explore them a little, I haven't the stomach for the personal finance books any more though. There's so much more to read! Like Margaret above I find our library system to be a treasure trove of cheap entertainment. Every book I’ve ever looked for, recent films and TV shows (including 1980s masterpiece Strumpet City, one of the best TV series ever made), documentaries, CDs to fill my iTunes and all delivered to the branch around the corner from me. Outstanding.

While I think everyone should explore them a little, I haven’t the stomach for the personal finance books any more though. There’s so much more to read!

]]> By: Margaret http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/comment-page-1/#comment-65150 Margaret Sat, 01 Sep 2007 21:38:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/01/the-one-hour-project-take-a-trip-to-the-library/#comment-65150 Don't knock your local library. I live in a very small town, but our library is part of a large library system, so I can search all the libraries on line and request books from other libraries which are delivered to my local branch at no charge to me. Very rarely do I come across a book that I can't get that way. I've been checking out many of the books reviewed on this post in that manner, and I will also order books that get reviewed in a magazine that look interesting. The only downside is that you have to wait while the books are shipped, or if it is a popular title, you have to wait your turn. Don’t knock your local library. I live in a very small town, but our library is part of a large library system, so I can search all the libraries on line and request books from other libraries which are delivered to my local branch at no charge to me. Very rarely do I come across a book that I can’t get that way. I’ve been checking out many of the books reviewed on this post in that manner, and I will also order books that get reviewed in a magazine that look interesting. The only downside is that you have to wait while the books are shipped, or if it is a popular title, you have to wait your turn.

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