6 minute read
400 READS Seven surprising ways the library can save you money.
7 surprising ways
the Library can SAVE YOU MONEY
By Leslie Marinelli | Forsyth County Public Library
Between the ridiculously high gas prices and rising interest rates, everyone is feeling the squeeze these days. Your library is one of the best places to help you cut corners. Here are some of my favorite ways my family and I save money with our library cards:
1. Free Books, eBooks, and eAudiobooks
Everyone knows you can borrow free books (up to 75 at a time) at the public library, but did you know you can also use your library card to access thousands of free eBooks and eAudiobooks too?
If you have a smart phone and a library card, you can start enjoying eBooks and eAudiobooks immediately through free apps like Libby or SimplyE.
3. Free Magazines and Newspapers
We also have a huge assortment of magazines and newspapers in both digital and print form.
From popular titles like US Weekly and The New York Times to more obscure titles about hobbies you didn’t even know existed, if you have an interest in something, we probably have a magazine or newspaper about it.
2. Free Access to Consumer Reports Magazine
One of my favorite free library resources for saving money is Consumer Reports Magazine. With product ratings and unbiased reviews on anything from appliances to vehicles, Consumer Reports has the information you need to get the most bang for your buck.
Save the $59 a year it would cost for a personal subscription and use your library card for free access instead. Just visit the eResources tab on our website to get started.
4. Free Museum and Park Passes
FCPL partners with a variety of organizations across the state to provide free access to popular destinations like GA State Parks, Center for Puppetry Arts, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Zoo Atlanta, and others.
If you checked out each of our partner passes in one year you would save over $350. Visit forsythpl.org/passes for more information.
5. Free Classes
Is there something you’d like to learn more about from the comfort of your own home? Use your library card to create a free account with ArtistWorks, Learning Express Library, Mango Languages, or Universal Class and choose from over 500 free classes on everything from aromatherapy to web development. Visit the eResources tab on our website to get started.
6. Free Tutoring
Need a study partner on demand in English or Spanish? Connect with a professional subject matter expert for free, live, online tutoring, test prep, and career support through our partnership with Tutor.com. Start here: tutor.com/forsythga
7. Free Activities and Entertainment
Taking the whole family to the theater or to a live performance these days can cost a small fortune. Instead, check out upcoming free events and activities on the library’s online events calendar: forsythpl.org/events?r=thismonth
This is just a small sample of the countless free resources available at FCPL. Visit our website at forsythpl.org for more information about any of these hidden gems or to get your free Forsyth County Public Library card today.
FEATURED AUGUST LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
Chess for Kids
Sharon Forks Library, 7-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11 Join us at the library for a chess meetup for kids. Learn to play chess, practice your skills, or learn some new moves with a certified chess coach from Championship Chess. This program is suggested for grades 2-8. Space in this program is limited. Tickets will be handed out beginning 15 minutes prior to the program.
Great Pollinator Census
Hampton Park Library’s Butterfly Garden All day for all ages, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 19-20 Drop by our garden to record a tally of insect visits on our pollinator plants for UGA’s annual pollinator count!
A Show of Hands, An ASL Storytime
Post Road Library, 3-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20 A storytime for deaf, hard of hearing children, hearing children interested in sign language, CODAs and their families.
Book Explorers: A book club for kids in Grades K-3
Cumming Library, 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23 Join us as we read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. We will discuss the book, then do a STEAM activity related to the story.
Quilting for Kids
For grades 2 through 5 Hampton Park Library, 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25 Join us for a 5-week series on the basics of quilting presented by the Piecemakers Quilt Guild. This series is for children in grades 2 through 5.
Let’s Have a Matsuri!: Celebrating Japan’s Summer Festivals
Sharon Forks Library, 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 27 Learn about traditional Japanese summer festivals, or matsuri, and enjoy themed crafts and activities. This program is for families with children in Kindergarten and up.
For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any of our resources or upcoming events, please visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @forsythpl.
Bookish Trailblazers
An Outdoor Book Club for Adults
Fowler Park
(Pavilion 4, between the soccer fields and tennis courts) 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9 If you love walking in nature and reading, join us for FCPL’s outdoor book club as we walk around Fowler Park and discuss the curious relationship between humans and animals. This month they will discuss Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach.
Songwriting Workshop
Sharon Forks Library
7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23 Interested in writing a song? Local songwriter Bob Lusher will share techniques for composing original music and crafting lyrics and will assist participants with creating their own songs.
It Started with Words
Presented by the Museum of History and Holocaust Education
Post Road Library
6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18 Tyler Crafton-Karnes from the Museum of History and Holocaust Education will discuss the Nazi propaganda used to turn public opinion against “undesirable people.”
Six Saturdays
Hampton Park Library
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning Saturday, Aug. 20 Join us and experts from the Piecemakers Quilt Guild over six weeks to learn how to sew your own quilt from start to finish.
The Buzz About Bees and Beekeeping
National Honey Bee Day
Sharon Forks Library
11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 20 Ever wonder what honey bees do and why they are so important to us? Come and learn all about bees and their keepers with Kelley Campbell of the Forsyth Beekeepers Club.
Southern Fishing Series
Hampton Park Library
3-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21 Learn about the basics of kayak fishing with experienced kayak fisher, Erica Delana.
Scam Awareness
Presented by an FBI Special Agent
Post Road Library
7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24 Are you fed up with scams? An FBI special agent will provide information about how to protect yourself from scams, fraudsters, and predators!
Japanese Festivals and Fans
An Afternoon of Culture and Craft
Sharon Forks Library
1-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 Learn about Japanese summer festivals and paint your own uchiwa, a traditional Japanese fan. This program is for ages 16 and up only.
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