Lately I have been saving both money and space. I go down to my local library and borrow materials. But no matter how good a library mine (or yours) is, they can't afford to collect everything. But one of the many services the library provides is something called 'Interlibrary Loan' (ILL). This means on your behalf they will borrow books from other libraries. Other libraries throughout the U.S. and few other countries!
My library has a small postage fee, but many libraries will do this completely free. So if there's a book, audio book, video, or music CD you are not sure you want to buy, one trick is to borrow from your local library via ILL. That way you can read, watch, or listen for free. If the item was disappointing you're not out any money. If you loved it, and your library still isn't willing to buy a copy for their collection, then you can still buy your own copy knowing it's money well spent.
Another advantage to using your local library and ILL, is that you don't have to store the material in your home once you're done with it.
One warning, ILL's must be returned on time and often have higher late fees than regular library materials. But you can always ask if renewals are available. Remember that libraries charge late fees to keep people from hogging the materials, NOT to make money. So be prompt and be gracious. After all, they are saving you money and getting nothing in return! In my case, I probably save hundreds of dollars a year. Oh who am I kidding? They save me hundreds of dollars a month!
If you don't believe me try anyone of these library use calculators, or do your own estimates. Books, videos, and CD's aren't cheap.
Library Savings Calculator
Maine State Library
Umtilla Public Library
Jackson County Library Services
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