Today’s Fast and Frugal tip is an obvious one, in my opinion:  Visit your Library.  DON’T PAY FOR MOVIES/BOOKS IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO.

I have only bought ONE book in my adult life without having read it first for free.  I’m not willing to pay for a book unless I’ve first read it and know that it’s one I will use in the future.  It has been a great thing…every book in my personal library is a book that I treasure and enjoy, and I’ve saved SO much money not buying books that I don’t absolutely need.

For organizational purposes, I keep one bookshelf dedicated specifically for things I’m borrowing from the library.  This is a great tip if you go to the library on a regular basis and need to keep track of your stuff.  Once you’ve watched a movie or read a book, you can take the item from the shelf and put it in a “library bag”.  This is simply a reusable bag dedicated for library items only.

You can also borrow movies from most local libraries.   Even cheaper than online or in-person rentals! In addition to books and movies, you can find magazines.  You can attend free classes.  You can use their computers and internet for free, if that is something you don’t have regular access to.  You can often get free printables for children (coloring pages, etc) and craft activities for them as well.   Many libraries often have kick off events (think parties) and prize giveaways as well.

There really is NO need to spend money on these things if you are not going to want to keep them – right?  So…don’t wait.  Visit your library today.  Become acquainted with what they have to offer, and see a whole new world open up to you and your family.

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