Public libraries -- not just books
These are the "Well, duh" hints, but since I just signed up for my handy dandy new library card (and had to suffer a long, long explanation of what I could get with it), a couple of ways to save yourself a little something (besides the obvious).
DVDs: Most libraries seem to be checking them out and they can be good for something that is interests you, but you're not passionate about. Or, if TPTB in your fandom pull an X-Men 1.5, you can see if the additional extras are worth more of your money. Of course, this tip does not apply to people who like things that the average librarian would consider obscure.
CDs: Metallica says downloading music is bad. I say it's slow as hell on dial up so I love to check out CDs and rip them onto my computer. Also, sometimes the free nature gets you to check out things you wouldn't normally. Yay for entirely too many movie soundtracks.
Internet access: Okay, you don't want to look at anything bad, duh. But if you're researching clothing styles in Victorian England, you're all set. And you can use their printers. (Some libraries I've been at ask for a donation if you go over 20-25 pages, but that buck is well spent money if it saves you from buying a $25 ink cartridge that much sooner.) The Sacramento library also offers free WiFi access as well, check if yours does.
Research help from honest-to-goodness librarians: While you probably won't get a real research librarian, they know their card catalogs and how to find things on them far better than we mortals. I'm still grateful to the librarian last year who spent 30 minutes helping me find a good description of how to preform a splenectomy (complete with pictures!).
As always, return or renew promptly (or pay later), be nice to the librarians and don't knock over the little old lady who is working her way to the trashy novels.
ETA: One other thing -- if you don't want to waste a trip, a lot of libraries have put their catalogs online. You might be able to put a hold on your item or even have it transferred to your branch.
DVDs: Most libraries seem to be checking them out and they can be good for something that is interests you, but you're not passionate about. Or, if TPTB in your fandom pull an X-Men 1.5, you can see if the additional extras are worth more of your money. Of course, this tip does not apply to people who like things that the average librarian would consider obscure.
CDs: Metallica says downloading music is bad. I say it's slow as hell on dial up so I love to check out CDs and rip them onto my computer. Also, sometimes the free nature gets you to check out things you wouldn't normally. Yay for entirely too many movie soundtracks.
Internet access: Okay, you don't want to look at anything bad, duh. But if you're researching clothing styles in Victorian England, you're all set. And you can use their printers. (Some libraries I've been at ask for a donation if you go over 20-25 pages, but that buck is well spent money if it saves you from buying a $25 ink cartridge that much sooner.) The Sacramento library also offers free WiFi access as well, check if yours does.
Research help from honest-to-goodness librarians: While you probably won't get a real research librarian, they know their card catalogs and how to find things on them far better than we mortals. I'm still grateful to the librarian last year who spent 30 minutes helping me find a good description of how to preform a splenectomy (complete with pictures!).
As always, return or renew promptly (or pay later), be nice to the librarians and don't knock over the little old lady who is working her way to the trashy novels.
ETA: One other thing -- if you don't want to waste a trip, a lot of libraries have put their catalogs online. You might be able to put a hold on your item or even have it transferred to your branch.