Visit your local library!

I consider the library to be one of the frugal person's best resources. I live about a mile away from the Garden City Public Library and am amazed by all of the free programs that they offer.

I took the kiddos to story time this morning and they are starting yet another great program. They are trying to promote the things that parents can do to help their children learn to love reading from a very young age. This new six week program is a story hour that will include tips for parents to use at home to help their children learn to love reading. The best part - each family that signs up for the program and attends all six weeks will receive six FREE books (copies of the books they will be reading at the story hour)! They stressed that it is a six week commitment and if you cannot attend all six weeks that you should not sign up (although they are having a make-up session each Saturday). I'm sure this is because they have to order the books in advance. If you live in the Boise area - check out this awesome program (they specifically said that you don't have to be a Garden City library card holder to participate). Hurry the first week of the six week program is Thursday, September 11th at 10:00 a.m.

Even if they aren't offering this particular program at your local library, your local library can be an awesome FREE resource for so many things. Some of the other things that our library offers, besides checking out books, movies, music, and audio books.

• FREE Magazines - they have two crates near the entrance of the library where patrons can recycle their old magazines and they are free for the taking. When we go, I always choose a few magazines for myself to enjoy then return them when I am finished. If your local library does not offer this, suggest it next time you go!


• FREE computer/Internet usage - many people do not have Internet access in their homes. Our library offers patrons FREE Internet access. They even have about 6 computers in the kids area with educational games. They do charge a small fee for printing documents if necessary.

At the risk of sounding cheesy "Check Out" your local library! You'll be glad you did!