Money Sense Tips

When we want a book to read but don’t want to buy it, we go to the library. But many people are unaware that the library has much more to offer than books. You can also check out movies and CDs and access the Internet there. And most libraries offer a variety of events that are free to the public. The problem is people do not bother much to find out about it. Here are some of the events run by the library.

Meet the Author
When we think of meeting our favorite authors, the first place that we probably think of is a bookstore. But did you know that libraries often host events featuring famous authors too? But instead of just signing books, the authors often lead discussions about their work and issues pertinent to it.

If there’s a particular author that interests you, see if your local library has plans to invite him to speak. If they don’t, it’s quite possible that they’re open to suggestions. Libraries rely heavily on donations, and they usually jump at the chance to host a speaker that will generate interest.

Activities for Kids
Some kids love to visit the library and borrow books, while others would rather stay as far away as possible. But most libraries offer some activities for children and teenagers. Many have such events year-round, but they are the most common during the summer.

One of the most popular events for young children is storytelling. Many libraries host a storytelling session once a week, or at least once a month. Whether they’re reading from a popular book or weaving a tale of their own, good storytellers know how to keep children’s attention and make them laugh.

Some libraries also have movie showings from time to time. They are usually educational in nature, but many are geared toward the younger crowd. Your librarian can tell you which ages particular movies are intended for.

Crafts and Classes
Some libraries even offer crafting sessions. Participants may have to bring their own materials or pay a fee, but the instruction is usually free or very inexpensive. One-time events are common, but you may even find that your local library offers ongoing classes.

For those who are not comfortable with computers, some libraries provide free basic computer classes. They may have age limits or be designed for the unemployed, but often they are available to the general public. If you or someone you know needs to brush up on computer skills, check with the library before paying for classes.

The activities available vary from library to library. But nearly every library has something to offer besides books, magazines and newspapers. If you find yourself suffering from boredom but don’t want to spend a lot of money, see what’s happening at your local library. You might find yourself wondering why you didn’t do so a long time ago.

Want to more ideas how to spend your summer with your family without spending too much money? Click Below:

There are so many different ways a family can enjoy the summer months without having to spend a fortune on vacations. Here are five simple no cost summer activities you can plan with your family.

1. Have a picnic in your local park. Prepare a great lunch for the family, and bring a soccer ball, football, or Frisbee. You can spend quality time with each other and engage in healthy exercise as well.

2. Spend a day at the beach. Pack up a great lunch, bottled water (preferably tap water from home), pails and shovels for the kids, radio, beach blankets, and all the necessary items you will need for the day. This is another inexpensive way to spend quality time together.

3. Attend a free concert at the park. Most cities offer concerts either during the day or early evening. This can be a learning experience for kids who haven’t been exposed to certain types of music. Plus, you can bring blankets and listen to the music as you gaze at the heavenly stars. Pack a snack and drinks for the kids.

4. If you have a hiking trail in your home state, plan on spending a day there. The kids can commune with nature. Discover plants and flowers along the way or make a list of things your kids have to look for along the route – similar to a scavenger hunt.

5. Sometimes the best time a family can have is in their own back yard. Make a day of it by setting up the pool and have some fun splashing around. Then set up the barbecue for lunch and dinner. Make a homemade tent that will accommodate the family for sleeping. You can even toast marshmallows on the grill and tell ghost stories.

While these are just some suggestions, just being with the family is always an enjoyable time. Think back to when you were a child. What did your family engage in during the summer that didn’t cost a dime? Improvise on those memories and plan in advance so that your kids will not only be surprised but will want to hang out with mom and dad more often.

One of the things most kids love to do is dress up. Why not put on a play in your backyard. The kids can write the script and the family can browse their closets to see what outfits they can wear to epitomize the characters. Wear silly hats or scarves you may have put away, use make-up just like the celebrities, and perhaps dad can build a stage from items he has in the garage.

Kids love being with their parents, no matter what activity is selected. Everyone has a grand time just being together. Don’t forget the camera; these are memories that will need to be placed in the family scrapbook(Get Your 500 Scrapbooking Sketches Now… Click here!).

Check out this 101Staycations book to get more ideas….

We just couldn’t afford our usual vacation this year. Instead of feeling stuck, we used 101 Great Staycations to find ways to have fun as a family while staying close to home.
Liz E. – Ohio