The value of a library card

Paring down debt and saving more money is something many of us vow to do on a regular basis, and utilizing your local library for educational and entertainment purposes can help you achieve this goal.

By borrowing instead of buying, you’ll automatically save upwards of $20 per book or CD, which can really add up if you’re a music buff or an avid reader. Online streaming services such as Netflix can be appealing for their convenience, but will end up charging your credit card $100-plus a year for access to the service, not to mention the equipment you need to purchase in order to stream at home.

What most people don’t know is that your library also offers a pile of other cost-saving resources:

• Skip the Ed2Go courses offered at some academic institutions and sign up for Gale Courses instead. At a savings of $125 to $350 (US) per course, Gale offers six-week interactive online courses that will award you with a certificate upon completion. Courses include finance, design, personal development, writing and more.

• Save yourself $35 a year by using the library’s connection to the Consumer Reports website. With all of their research and ratings, you’ll certainly avoid buying a lemon.

• Stop by your local branch to research your family history with Ancestry Library Edition. Dig up information on long lost relatives without having to dig in your wallet for the $30 monthly membership charged on the Ancestry website.

• Save on clutter, and save money by taking advantage of your library’s online digital publication resources. Magazine readers can access a wide range of popular magazines through the library’s access to Flipster or RB Digital — a savings of $50-plus per title.

You can also check out new video games, sports and fitness equipment, passes to local tourist destinations and sporting facilities, plus there are chances to win tickets to major entertainment events here in the city with Lethbridge Presents.

See how much your library card saves you by checking out the Library Value Calculator on the American Library Association website

(www.ala.org). Just make sure you return your items on time to avoid paying those pesky late fees, though the library helps you out by sending reminders via text, email or phone.

With the library, you can enjoy staying connected while keeping more cash in your pocket!