Comments on: Daily Links: Crying Librarians Edition http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Mon, 20 May 2013 18:39:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Arthi Madhusudhan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-2/#comment-137021 Arthi Madhusudhan Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:30 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-137021 It did make me laugh, but I wasn't surprised. I was born and brought up in India and library was a concept we grew up with and it was an essential part of our family. We initially used to have just one library card and then when my sister and I started fighting over books, my parents bought another one. When I landed in the US, the first thing I did was get a public library membership and I was appalled by the facilities. I could borrow 50 books or CDs at a time and i could renew them over the internet. And the library had a network of 30 other libraries where I could borrow books! They also had programs for kids all the time. After using it for 8 months, I can tell you that the facilities are grossly under-utilized!! It did make me laugh, but I wasn’t surprised. I was born and brought up in India and library was a concept we grew up with and it was an essential part of our family. We initially used to have just one library card and then when my sister and I started fighting over books, my parents bought another one. When I landed in the US, the first thing I did was get a public library membership and I was appalled by the facilities. I could borrow 50 books or CDs at a time and i could renew them over the internet. And the library had a network of 30 other libraries where I could borrow books!

They also had programs for kids all the time. After using it for 8 months, I can tell you that the facilities are grossly under-utilized!!

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]]> By: Jen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135453 Jen Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:32:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135453 I am a librarian and my right eye has been watering non-stop for about two weeks. Thanks for thinking of me!! (while the above it true.... thanks for the laugh as well) I am a librarian and my right eye has been watering non-stop for about two weeks. Thanks for thinking of me!!

(while the above it true…. thanks for the laugh as well)

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]]> By: Stephanie PTY http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135335 Stephanie PTY Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:24:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135335 I'll be honest - I actually asked the question about a book rental service, as well! BUT (and this is a big but), I didn't forget about the library before I asked it. I was thinking of my mother, who doesn't go to the library, but is hooked on buying book and on Netflix - turns out there really is a "Netflix for books," which I told her about. Of course, I finished my sentence with "Or we could just, you know, GO TO THE LIBRARY!" I’ll be honest – I actually asked the question about a book rental service, as well! BUT (and this is a big but), I didn’t forget about the library before I asked it. I was thinking of my mother, who doesn’t go to the library, but is hooked on buying book and on Netflix – turns out there really is a “Netflix for books,” which I told her about. Of course, I finished my sentence with “Or we could just, you know, GO TO THE LIBRARY!”

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]]> By: Ryan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135322 Ryan Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:37:22 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135322 Another great thing about the library is the music catalog that mine has is very extensive. So when we are looking for some new music for our Ipod, the wife and I go check out 6 CDs each for free and download them on the Ipod for listening enjoyment. Our Ipod has over 3,000 songs on it and we spent nothing on our music library, except what we had to pay to the library in the form of taxes. Another great thing about the library is the music catalog that mine has is very extensive. So when we are looking for some new music for our Ipod, the wife and I go check out 6 CDs each for free and download them on the Ipod for listening enjoyment. Our Ipod has over 3,000 songs on it and we spent nothing on our music library, except what we had to pay to the library in the form of taxes.

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]]> By: junkcafe http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135316 junkcafe Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:19:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135316 Shari - you are right to be concerned. Where I live there is a county-wide federation of libraries. The tax dollar is NOT funding the operation 100%. Other sources of revenue include donations and fees. One suburban library actually has an office supplies jar by the checkout. However, in our system, there is a talk toward evolving to a mobile/self-service system. Don't know the details but it's all an attempt to maintain some semblance of the public library concept. IMHO, I think some people underestimate the concept of a library. I'm not alone in suggesting that at the root of the global competitive advantage that we Americans enjoy is the free access to information. Let us all keep in mind that Thomas Edison wasn't born with all that knowledge: he had to get it. Where did he get it? Read about it here: http://www.theadvocates.org/freeman/9502powe.html History has taught us that knowledge is extremely enlightening and powerful. What better than unfettered access? Shari – you are right to be concerned. Where I live there is a county-wide federation of libraries. The tax dollar is NOT funding the operation 100%. Other sources of revenue include donations and fees. One suburban library actually has an office supplies jar by the checkout. However, in our system, there is a talk toward evolving to a mobile/self-service system. Don’t know the details but it’s all an attempt to maintain some semblance of the public library concept.

IMHO, I think some people underestimate the concept of a library. I’m not alone in suggesting that at the root of the global competitive advantage that we Americans enjoy is the free access to information. Let us all keep in mind that Thomas Edison wasn’t born with all that knowledge: he had to get it. Where did he get it? Read about it here: http://www.theadvocates.org/freeman/9502powe.html
History has taught us that knowledge is extremely enlightening and powerful. What better than unfettered access?

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]]> By: Jessica G. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135315 Jessica G. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:10:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135315 Reading is absolutely one of my top three favorite things to do in my spare time. That being said, the library thing is a problem for me. When I was in college, the local library was AMAZING. But the library by my home now is terrible. I do have a set budget for every month on what I can spend on books ($30). I also resold a lot of my books on amazon.com. But for my birthday I got the most amazing thing ever- the Sony Reader (like the kindle- except cheaper and better). I save a good amount off the cover price, I get 100 free classics, and I don't have to spend money driving to the bookstore. I do wish I had a better library so I could take out even more books (things that I won't buy but would like to read). *sigh* Reading is absolutely one of my top three favorite things to do in my spare time. That being said, the library thing is a problem for me.

When I was in college, the local library was AMAZING. But the library by my home now is terrible. I do have a set budget for every month on what I can spend on books ($30). I also resold a lot of my books on amazon.com.

But for my birthday I got the most amazing thing ever- the Sony Reader (like the kindle- except cheaper and better). I save a good amount off the cover price, I get 100 free classics, and I don’t have to spend money driving to the bookstore.

I do wish I had a better library so I could take out even more books (things that I won’t buy but would like to read). *sigh*

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]]> By: Shari http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135288 Shari Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:30:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135288 Regarding the idea that your taxes pay for libraries, they don't do so completely. My sister is a librarian and they get less funding every year from taxes and are increasingly pressured to raise their own funds through sales of donated books that aren't borrowed often or books that several copies were purchased of to meet high initial demand that has since fallen off (think 4 copies of the new Harry Potter in the first year and now 1 or 2 will suffice). Libraries also have to hustle big and generous donors for funds and think of ways to convince people to contribute money. Her library has done everything from allow "memorial bricks" set in the lobby wall for $25 a pop to making their own CDs and DVDs of old films and photos which were donated to them to selling tote bags and cookbooks. They still are struggling to find money for ongoing upgrade expenses so that the library is a more useful place for people to come (that includes software and a computer lab with free internet). Your taxes are only paying for libraries in part and they aren't paying very well. If a library is in poor condition, it is because of a lack of funding. The best thing you can do if you want a good library as a resource is to write your representatives and state governor and demand that libraries be funded well. Also, patronize them often. Funding is based in part on usage figures. Government currently views libraries as outdated and unimportant because of the Internet. If you value them, do what you can to support them. Regarding the idea that your taxes pay for libraries, they don’t do so completely. My sister is a librarian and they get less funding every year from taxes and are increasingly pressured to raise their own funds through sales of donated books that aren’t borrowed often or books that several copies were purchased of to meet high initial demand that has since fallen off (think 4 copies of the new Harry Potter in the first year and now 1 or 2 will suffice).

Libraries also have to hustle big and generous donors for funds and think of ways to convince people to contribute money. Her library has done everything from allow “memorial bricks” set in the lobby wall for $25 a pop to making their own CDs and DVDs of old films and photos which were donated to them to selling tote bags and cookbooks. They still are struggling to find money for ongoing upgrade expenses so that the library is a more useful place for people to come (that includes software and a computer lab with free internet).

Your taxes are only paying for libraries in part and they aren’t paying very well. If a library is in poor condition, it is because of a lack of funding. The best thing you can do if you want a good library as a resource is to write your representatives and state governor and demand that libraries be funded well. Also, patronize them often. Funding is based in part on usage figures.

Government currently views libraries as outdated and unimportant because of the Internet. If you value them, do what you can to support them.

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]]> By: Shanel Yang http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135285 Shanel Yang Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:07:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135285 My limited experience with libraries since I finished school has been in the main downtown L.A. library, and I must say that one really turned me off to libraries because the books are moldy and a lot of unfortunate homeless people spend their days there, leaving a thick, unpleasant odor all about. (Nothing against the homeless. I'd hang out in the relative safety of libraries, too, if I were homeless.) Also, the late fees always got the best of me and often ended up costing more than the price of the book if I'd bought it. But, that was years ago. All these great comments have inspired me to visit the smaller, more local branch. I'm also glad to find so many frugal people here! When I began my frugal ways last year I pretty much lost all my friends who continued to live the old extravagant lifestyle. I thought it would be a lonely road to freedom from debt and financial security, but I see I'm far from alone! My limited experience with libraries since I finished school has been in the main downtown L.A. library, and I must say that one really turned me off to libraries because the books are moldy and a lot of unfortunate homeless people spend their days there, leaving a thick, unpleasant odor all about. (Nothing against the homeless. I’d hang out in the relative safety of libraries, too, if I were homeless.) Also, the late fees always got the best of me and often ended up costing more than the price of the book if I’d bought it. But, that was years ago. All these great comments have inspired me to visit the smaller, more local branch. I’m also glad to find so many frugal people here! When I began my frugal ways last year I pretty much lost all my friends who continued to live the old extravagant lifestyle. I thought it would be a lonely road to freedom from debt and financial security, but I see I’m far from alone!

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]]> By: learst http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135284 learst Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:53:10 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135284 I'm not exactly sure why a lot of people seems to be amused about a book rental store concept - they actually do exist. Well, around my town area at least. There are only a handful libraries in my country, and mostly around the town area. I've only used book rental once; they've got quite a good collection of old books/novels which most likely escape the collection of the public libraries (we have a low reading culture; slightly higher in the urban areas). Here's how it works: say a book cost around 10 bucks, you'll pay about 12 bucks and get to keep it for 2-3 weeks, and then when you returned it, you'll get 10 bucks back (with the 2 bucks being the rental fee). I’m not exactly sure why a lot of people seems to be amused about a book rental store concept – they actually do exist. Well, around my town area at least. There are only a handful libraries in my country, and mostly around the town area.

I’ve only used book rental once; they’ve got quite a good collection of old books/novels which most likely escape the collection of the public libraries (we have a low reading culture; slightly higher in the urban areas). Here’s how it works: say a book cost around 10 bucks, you’ll pay about 12 bucks and get to keep it for 2-3 weeks, and then when you returned it, you’ll get 10 bucks back (with the 2 bucks being the rental fee).

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]]> By: Grace http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135251 Grace Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:01:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135251 Sadly, such at least one such service actually does exist. Sadly, such at least one such service actually does exist.

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]]> By: TJ http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135244 TJ Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:41:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135244 I have to say that a public library isn't available to everyone. If you are outside of the tax district funding the library, you pay for the service, and in some areas, that's a hefty price. Also, believe it or not, some people do not have internet access at home. So a rental might be good for them. For me, I love the local library, and the kids and I visit once a week. But, if someone has it in their budget and accessing a library isn't practical, I think there is nothing wrong with the book rental. I have to say that a public library isn’t available to everyone. If you are outside of the tax district funding the library, you pay for the service, and in some areas, that’s a hefty price. Also, believe it or not, some people do not have internet access at home. So a rental might be good for them.

For me, I love the local library, and the kids and I visit once a week. But, if someone has it in their budget and accessing a library isn’t practical, I think there is nothing wrong with the book rental.

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]]> By: John Egan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135243 John Egan Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:40:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135243 Haven't found much that I'm interested in at the Library ... I can suggest though that if you buy your books used through Amazon.com, you'll save quite a lot... That's my practice.. And I don't have to take the 40 minute round-trip drive to the Library.. Also, if you really want to get active on saving money, set up a sales account at Amazon..(It's really easy) and turn right around and sell the books again. If you are active on buying first edition reads and then turn them again, the cost will pretty much just be the shipping charge you pay for delivery. Thx jegan ;-) Haven’t found much that I’m interested in at the Library … I can suggest though that if you buy your books used through Amazon.com, you’ll save quite a lot… That’s my practice.. And I don’t have to take the 40 minute round-trip drive to the Library.. Also, if you really want to get active on saving money, set up a sales account at Amazon..(It’s really easy) and turn right around and sell the books again. If you are active on buying first edition reads and then turn them again, the cost will pretty much just be the shipping charge you pay for delivery.

Thx jegan ;-)

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]]> By: katie t. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135240 katie t. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:16:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135240 for books i use swaptree.com all you do is list the items you have and the items you want, and swaptree's trade algorithms instantly find the members who want what you have and have what you want. it's free to list items you have and want, and the only price is postage. it's like getting brand new books, music, movies, and games for around $2.50 no matter what they are! for books i use swaptree.com

all you do is list the items you have and the items you want, and swaptree’s trade algorithms instantly find the members who want what you have and have what you want. it’s free to list items you have and want, and the only price is postage. it’s like getting brand new books, music, movies, and games for around $2.50 no matter what they are!

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]]> By: TosaJen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135237 TosaJen Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:18:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135237 Enjoying the random links, as usual! Ah, the library! We now live 6 blocks from our local library, and I can request a hold on a book in the same amount of time it takes me to find it on amazon, wait a day or two for the notification, and get a bit of exercise wandering over to pick it up. Having moved 3x in 3 years, and donated hundreds of books to the local libraries to avoid moving them, I just don't want to own any books, CDs, or DVDs that I don't absolutely love. If I can't finish it or still want it after 2 renewals, I'll buy it. This is a huge switch from when DH and I discovered that books were one of our "gazingus pins" (YMOYL term for items compulsively purchased). As for real estate being passive -- yeah, that's bull. We're investing in real estate, but we're calling it "buying DH a part time job" and our "family business". "Looking poor" is in they eye of the beholder. I would go crazy if I tried to get the approval of everyone who could have an opinion of me and how we live. DH and I have a lot of personal freedom because we make frugal choices, and we're mostly living according to our values, which don't include "looking wealthy". We're happy to discuss our choices with other people, if they feel the need to share their judgments/opinions with us about what we're doing. ;) Enjoying the random links, as usual!

Ah, the library! We now live 6 blocks from our local library, and I can request a hold on a book in the same amount of time it takes me to find it on amazon, wait a day or two for the notification, and get a bit of exercise wandering over to pick it up.

Having moved 3x in 3 years, and donated hundreds of books to the local libraries to avoid moving them, I just don’t want to own any books, CDs, or DVDs that I don’t absolutely love. If I can’t finish it or still want it after 2 renewals, I’ll buy it. This is a huge switch from when DH and I discovered that books were one of our “gazingus pins” (YMOYL term for items compulsively purchased).

As for real estate being passive — yeah, that’s bull. We’re investing in real estate, but we’re calling it “buying DH a part time job” and our “family business”.

“Looking poor” is in they eye of the beholder. I would go crazy if I tried to get the approval of everyone who could have an opinion of me and how we live. DH and I have a lot of personal freedom because we make frugal choices, and we’re mostly living according to our values, which don’t include “looking wealthy”. We’re happy to discuss our choices with other people, if they feel the need to share their judgments/opinions with us about what we’re doing. ;)

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]]> By: Jason http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135234 Jason Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:01:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135234 Well, six months from now, in Clackamas County Oregon where JD lives, it may be no laughing matter. The county has pledged to close the libraries (except for some operated by individual cities) and get rid of the books, unless a library tax is passed. I sincerely hope the tax increase passes (for many of us the tax is cheaper than what we'd spend at Amazon in a couple of months, or even at a book rental place). But if it doesn't pass, the book rental business might be a great idea right here. I'm sure there are other parts of the country that have lost or will lose their libraries. Well, six months from now, in Clackamas County Oregon where JD lives, it may be no laughing matter. The county has pledged to close the libraries (except for some operated by individual cities) and get rid of the books, unless a library tax is passed.
I sincerely hope the tax increase passes (for many of us the tax is cheaper than what we’d spend at Amazon in a couple of months, or even at a book rental place). But if it doesn’t pass, the book rental business might be a great idea right here. I’m sure there are other parts of the country that have lost or will lose their libraries.

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]]> By: Michael http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135227 Michael Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:44:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135227 There's also Project Gutenberg. Thousands of free e-books for the taking. http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page There’s also Project Gutenberg.

Thousands of free e-books for the taking.

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

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]]> By: icup http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135222 icup Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:00:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135222 There is an old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover". A lot of people who are struggling financially to impress their neighbors should try to think about what that really means. On the one hand it means you shouldn't judge people based on their frugal habits, but the other side of the coin is that you shouldn't let others judge you based on yours. If people don't like you because you pay for your pizza in change, I say screw 'em. I don't care what they think anyway. In fact, I would probably 'lose track' and start from the beginning again just to spite them -- several times. There is an old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. A lot of people who are struggling financially to impress their neighbors should try to think about what that really means.

On the one hand it means you shouldn’t judge people based on their frugal habits, but the other side of the coin is that you shouldn’t let others judge you based on yours. If people don’t like you because you pay for your pizza in change, I say screw ‘em. I don’t care what they think anyway. In fact, I would probably ‘lose track’ and start from the beginning again just to spite them — several times.

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]]> By: junkcafe http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135217 junkcafe Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:26:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135217 ...another thing. NetLibrary. Electronic books are your fingertips. If you are blessed with a library system that has this feature, you are well on your way to learning on the fly. It's a nice alternative to driving (gas!) out to the library only to find out that it's closed :( …another thing. NetLibrary. Electronic books are your fingertips. If you are blessed with a library system that has this feature, you are well on your way to learning on the fly. It’s a nice alternative to driving (gas!) out to the library only to find out that it’s closed :(

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]]> By: junkcafe http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135212 junkcafe Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:13:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135212 As for "is there any kind of like…video rental store but for books? would make things alot cheaper, plus once one person had read one the next person can get enjoyment from it etc", some libraries are renting bestsellers and newly released DVDs on a weekly basis (sometimes, just a $1). This is a way to increase revenue for items in high demand. If anyone wants to start a Blockbuster version of a library, I got a ton of books to get started ;) As for “is there any kind of like…video rental store but for books? would make things alot cheaper, plus once one person had read one the next person can get enjoyment from it etc”, some libraries are renting bestsellers and newly released DVDs on a weekly basis (sometimes, just a $1). This is a way to increase revenue for items in high demand.

If anyone wants to start a Blockbuster version of a library, I got a ton of books to get started ;)

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]]> By: junkcafe http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135211 junkcafe Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:54:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135211 The public library is perhaps one of the few government services that you can get more out than you put in. It's the free (as in accessible, taxes are another issue) flow of ideas that makes it a gem in most communities. As us pre-internet older folk know, the library was THE place for obtaining a wide array of information. Today, despite the convenience and power of the 'net, the value of the library hasn't changed much. Some of you techies may know that you can literally build enterprise applications from the CDs and DVDs tucked into the back of many software programming books. I'm able to install Ubuntu, Redhat or FreeBSD from the local library system. In addition, I can get MySQL, PHP, Apache (ok, I'll say it...LAMP :) for little more than the effort it takes to register for a library card. Of course, all techies know that buying a tech book is a complete waste of money. Why buy something that is obsolete by next year? We have a tough enough time managing hardware obsolescence, so why do the same with books. Just think how that wood could have been put to better use...In any case, the library serves a a place of quiet exploration inspiration for the thoughtful and curious. Tell me what famous thinker or tinkerer wasn't in the least affected by the existence of a library sometime in their lives. I would think the autodidact swears by it. Lo, what we take for granted. It may turn out to be the last thing on our "what-to-save-from-ruin" list but it may be the first place we turn to when ask those how-to, what-now, or why-not questions. Great post! I could go on for paragraphs on this topic. The public library is perhaps one of the few government services that you can get more out than you put in. It’s the free (as in accessible, taxes are another issue) flow of ideas that makes it a gem in most communities. As us pre-internet older folk know, the library was THE place for obtaining a wide array of information. Today, despite the convenience and power of the ‘net, the value of the library hasn’t changed much. Some of you techies may know that you can literally build enterprise applications from the CDs and DVDs tucked into the back of many software programming books. I’m able to install Ubuntu, Redhat or FreeBSD from the local library system. In addition, I can get MySQL, PHP, Apache (ok, I’ll say it…LAMP :) for little more than the effort it takes to register for a library card. Of course, all techies know that buying a tech book is a complete waste of money. Why buy something that is obsolete by next year? We have a tough enough time managing hardware obsolescence, so why do the same with books. Just think how that wood could have been put to better use…In any case, the library serves a a place of quiet exploration inspiration for the thoughtful and curious. Tell me what famous thinker or tinkerer wasn’t in the least affected by the existence of a library sometime in their lives. I would think the autodidact swears by it. Lo, what we take for granted. It may turn out to be the last thing on our “what-to-save-from-ruin” list but it may be the first place we turn to when ask those how-to, what-now, or why-not questions.

Great post! I could go on for paragraphs on this topic.

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]]> By: Ponderer http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135208 Ponderer Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:29:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135208 For the more serious readers out there use your local university library. Many of us here have someone in the family enrolled in a university. My wife is a student and the collection of books at their library is mind-boggling. They even have hard-to-find books, and you can also request inter-library loans from other universities in the state. Also, as a student there is no limit on how many books you can take out at a time, and you get to keep it for much longer than public libraries. For the more serious readers out there use your local university library.

Many of us here have someone in the family enrolled in a university. My wife is a student and the collection of books at their library is mind-boggling. They even have hard-to-find books, and you can also request inter-library loans from other universities in the state. Also, as a student there is no limit on how many books you can take out at a time, and you get to keep it for much longer than public libraries.

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]]> By: Michelle http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135204 Michelle Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:17:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135204 I love the library! Actually, my local library is pretty limited in its resources -- however, they (I!) have the entire Multnomah County Library system at its beck 'n call! Whenever I hear about a book I want to read, a CD I need to check out, or a movie I want to watch, I just add it to my holds list. Every few days I get an email telling me some new, free form of entertainment is waiting for me, just a ten minute bike ride away... :) They even have some super obscure music -- combined with the fact that I've now made over $350 on selling books & CDs on amazon marketplace, it's just an amazing situation! I love the library! Actually, my local library is pretty limited in its resources — however, they (I!) have the entire Multnomah County Library system at its beck ‘n call! Whenever I hear about a book I want to read, a CD I need to check out, or a movie I want to watch, I just add it to my holds list. Every few days I get an email telling me some new, free form of entertainment is waiting for me, just a ten minute bike ride away… :) They even have some super obscure music — combined with the fact that I’ve now made over $350 on selling books & CDs on amazon marketplace, it’s just an amazing situation!

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]]> By: Jenne http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135192 Jenne Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:31:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135192 Thank you for the Crying Librarians edition post! Many people don't realize that they may be able to get online services through their library too, ones they couldn't afford on their own. In Pennsylvania, you can actually download audiobooks for three weeks at a time from most libraries... You don't even have to come into the building. Thank you for the Crying Librarians edition post!

Many people don’t realize that they may be able to get online services through their library too, ones they couldn’t afford on their own. In Pennsylvania, you can actually download audiobooks for three weeks at a time from most libraries… You don’t even have to come into the building.

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]]> By: AJC @ 7million7years http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135188 AJC @ 7million7years Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:03:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135188 As I said on Consumerism's post: "... if I can earn $250k ++ a year doing virtually nothing – move to another country for 4 years, leaving my businesses and real-estate to others to manage and run … kick back and write a blog about my experiences … that’s passive enough for me!" As I said on Consumerism’s post: “… if I can earn $250k ++ a year doing virtually nothing – move to another country for 4 years, leaving my businesses and real-estate to others to manage and run … kick back and write a blog about my experiences … that’s passive enough for me!”

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]]> By: Beth@paydaytree http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135181 Beth@paydaytree Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:30:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135181 Oh my goodness. A rental store for books ... it really does make you want to cry doesn't it? I am going to start using my library more I've decided. It's hard to stop buying books though, for me anyway. I feel like they are something worthwhile to spend money on and I like that. I love spending an afternoon in Borders picking out an armful of books to take home and find new places for them on my bookshelf. But I feel like it's a habit that I have to break. There's no point in hording them, I live by myself. Good post J.D.! Oh my goodness. A rental store for books … it really does make you want to cry doesn’t it? I am going to start using my library more I’ve decided. It’s hard to stop buying books though, for me anyway. I feel like they are something worthwhile to spend money on and I like that. I love spending an afternoon in Borders picking out an armful of books to take home and find new places for them on my bookshelf. But I feel like it’s a habit that I have to break. There’s no point in hording them, I live by myself.

Good post J.D.!

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]]> By: Aaron http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135175 Aaron Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:01:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135175 I am all about saving money and being frugal, but Shannon Christman's "Benefits of saving habits that make you look poor," upsets me a little. I don't think you should go so far as to manipulate people into believing you're poor to get things from others that you can afford yourself. I have friends that are very frugal, and whenever we go out to have a drink together they always complain about prices and how they're struggling to save when I know darn well they have money and are just trying to get us to foot the bill. If you can afford it, don't be so cheap as to get someone else to pay for it. If you can't afford it, don't do it. Be frugal. Have a budget. But don't be so desperate to save a buck that you come off as a selfish jerk. I know it doesn't sound like it, but I love this blog and your advice. Keep up the good work. I am all about saving money and being frugal, but Shannon Christman’s “Benefits of saving habits that make you look poor,” upsets me a little. I don’t think you should go so far as to manipulate people into believing you’re poor to get things from others that you can afford yourself.

I have friends that are very frugal, and whenever we go out to have a drink together they always complain about prices and how they’re struggling to save when I know darn well they have money and are just trying to get us to foot the bill.

If you can afford it, don’t be so cheap as to get someone else to pay for it. If you can’t afford it, don’t do it.

Be frugal. Have a budget. But don’t be so desperate to save a buck that you come off as a selfish jerk.

I know it doesn’t sound like it, but I love this blog and your advice. Keep up the good work.

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]]> By: KC http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135174 KC Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:51:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135174 I am a public librarian and so few people use the resources of their library. I can say I was guilty of this, too, before I started working at the public library. Mine has books galore - there will be very few titles you won't find in the collection (its a major library system, though). We have DVDs that rent for $2 for 3 nights (this will vary from place to place) also audio books for rent. Digital audio books can be downloaded at home for a fee. Internet usage inside the building is free. Wireless access inside most buildings (with your own PC) is free. I could go on and on with the resources available - old LPs, rare books, local collections, etc. But probably the most important resource is the staff, and don't limit yourself to the degreed librarians. When I managed a branch in a small neighborhood our best readers advisory person was a circulation clerk. She didn't have a college degree, but she'd read more fiction than any of the librarians and she was more popular with our fiction reading customers than any of the "degreed librarians". But librarians are an excellent resource for information and are just knowledgable, well-rounded people. Some of us even have some personality and can hold a great conversation! And next time you have a question about local resources, government, etc try your library - you might be surprised what is out there. I am a public librarian and so few people use the resources of their library. I can say I was guilty of this, too, before I started working at the public library. Mine has books galore – there will be very few titles you won’t find in the collection (its a major library system, though). We have DVDs that rent for $2 for 3 nights (this will vary from place to place) also audio books for rent. Digital audio books can be downloaded at home for a fee. Internet usage inside the building is free. Wireless access inside most buildings (with your own PC) is free. I could go on and on with the resources available – old LPs, rare books, local collections, etc.

But probably the most important resource is the staff, and don’t limit yourself to the degreed librarians. When I managed a branch in a small neighborhood our best readers advisory person was a circulation clerk. She didn’t have a college degree, but she’d read more fiction than any of the librarians and she was more popular with our fiction reading customers than any of the “degreed librarians”. But librarians are an excellent resource for information and are just knowledgable, well-rounded people. Some of us even have some personality and can hold a great conversation!

And next time you have a question about local resources, government, etc try your library – you might be surprised what is out there.

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]]> By: Jennifer http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135168 Jennifer Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:16:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135168 My library is awesome! I request what I want online, they pull from all over our state, deliver it to our branch and I go through the drive through to pick it up. Can't get much easier than that! My library is awesome! I request what I want online, they pull from all over our state, deliver it to our branch and I go through the drive through to pick it up. Can’t get much easier than that!

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]]> By: Kitten http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135165 Kitten Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:15:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135165 Love this blog. I am a librarian and as our comptetition has increased from the internet, we are finally waking up to the fact that we need to market our services. Shame on us that there are people in this country who don't understand the concept of a library! Ranting aside, thank you all for your support! Love this blog.

I am a librarian and as our comptetition has increased from the internet, we are finally waking up to the fact that we need to market our services. Shame on us that there are people in this country who don’t understand the concept of a library! Ranting aside, thank you all for your support!

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]]> By: mick http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/04/daily-links-crying-librarians-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-135163 mick Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:57:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1847#comment-135163 My local library branch is a bust. The city keeps cutting funding so our branch is only open weekdays 10-4 and something like every 4th Saturday until noon. The government thinks my tax dollars are better spent on the further militarization of the domestic police state...but I digress. Other alternatives to the online library programs: http://www.bookcrossing.com/ "catch and release book sharing, free, have had good results from this; have had mediocre results" http://openlibrary.org/ "lot's of out of print books, in "book" format for easy reading. Great selection of Domestic Science books from the 19th and 20th centuries. BIBLIOPHILES LOVE THIS SITE!! http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm "this is part of the NY public library system but is free online (or was) without having to have a NYPL membership. This is great for nonfiction readers. Lots of design books imaged.” http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page "free electronic books. My second favorite site after open library" http://bookmooch.com/ "this is a new discovery and I haven't joined yet so no opinion" Books are my one luxury that I simply will not give up. I only keep the books I re-read but then again, it’s a rare book that I won’t re-read and I will replace old favorites when they wear out. If I ever got a job in a bookstore, I’d starve to death. However, as the economy pinches, I certainly am entertaining a second job just to pay for my books…employee discount? Books are non-negotiable but I never have enough money to supply my reading habit, hence the above! (#10 CCherry, thanks for the tip! I'll be checking out http://www.paperbackswap.com ) My local library branch is a bust. The city keeps cutting funding so our branch is only open weekdays 10-4 and something like every 4th Saturday until noon. The government thinks my tax dollars are better spent on the further militarization of the domestic police state…but I digress.

Other alternatives to the online library programs:

http://www.bookcrossing.com/ “catch and release book sharing, free, have had good results from this; have had mediocre results”

http://openlibrary.org/ “lot’s of out of print books, in “book” format for easy reading. Great selection of Domestic Science books from the 19th and 20th centuries. BIBLIOPHILES LOVE THIS SITE!!

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm “this is part of the NY public library system but is free online (or was) without having to have a NYPL membership. This is great for nonfiction readers. Lots of design books imaged.”

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page
“free electronic books. My second favorite site after open library”

http://bookmooch.com/
“this is a new discovery and I haven’t joined yet so no opinion”

Books are my one luxury that I simply will not give up. I only keep the books I re-read but then again, it’s a rare book that I won’t re-read and I will replace old favorites when they wear out. If I ever got a job in a bookstore, I’d starve to death. However, as the economy pinches, I certainly am entertaining a second job just to pay for my books…employee discount?

Books are non-negotiable but I never have enough money to supply my reading habit, hence the above!

(#10 CCherry, thanks for the tip! I’ll be checking out http://www.paperbackswap.com )

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