That is a great idea...to remind you of your savings. I don't usually think of it that way, but a good reason to use the Library, isn't it? I'm in a slump about reading and

really need to get back to it. Used to have at least 2 books going all the time. :) I

know the computer takes a lot of the blame.

The libraries in my area seem to be enjoying a big jump in activity. Especially for e-media. If your library or a neighboring one you can access offers e-books, as through Overdrive or other providers, get yourself a Kindle and have a ball!

Our library doesn't do that, but it is a great idea. I love the ability to put a hold on a book while on-line and see the status of my holds. Have been reading a series, so sometimes have to wait for the next one and read something else while I'm waiting. We used to buy paperbacks at the book store, but lately I've been getting them at the library.

Sherwoodva, I bought one of the Dexter series books from Amazon.com, used because my library didn't have that book for some reason. One of the earlier books they didn't have either and I waited for a loan from another library to send it to mine. This time I didn't want to wait...I just donated that book after I finished it. Sometimes I put things on hold or "order" but they have come too quickly-lol then I have too many books to read at once.

I noticed a few months ago that our library does that too. I think it's kind of cool.

For those of you who are library-goers, AND use Amazon Prime, check to see if your library participates in Amazon's library support benefits. A portion (small but every bit helps, IMO) of your Amazon Prime purchases will be donated to the library of your choice. This is especially helpful for smaller towns. =)

At our library, one can scan and check out books either using the clerk or by oneself. I do it myself and I decline the receipt. However, I do know that the 'savings' information is on that paper. I can also put holds on books from home and search the entire catalog from home. Pretty neat.

I've never seen that....but knew I was saving a ton! Yes....I just read "A Street Cat Named Bob".......such a cute story!

Has anyone ever been charged for a library card? A friends daughter went to the library to print a form for school, she was told her card had expired and she needed to pay a fee to replace it. I have never had an expiration on a library card.

No Terilyn. I have two cards a keychain one and a regular card. They're both scanned like a store rewards card at my library.

I agree about the benefits of using the public library's OverDrive and, also, Hoopla. I get virtually all my audiobooks via these apps and it's wonderful to browse for e-books at any time of the day or night. Regarding the value of public libraries, I have always believed that they provide a lot of financial benefits to their customers. Where else can one can get free access to vast amounts of information and entertainment?

Terilyn - I have never had to pay for a library card, but mine has never expired.

Our library cards have expiration dates but there is no charge to renew. Our library delivers books to your door free! Order online. Returns have to be brought back to any branch but you can renew online if you wish. .

My library now offers this type of receipt. I think it's a result of the "fuel perk" grocery chain mentality.

I have been going to my library every week since 1971 and always have had books out and read a few a week as does my husband. I plan to leave a nice donation to them in my will.

I don't get it. The fictional amount of "savings" may have close to zero relation to what you may, or may not, have actually purchased instead of borrowing them from the library. That amount they tally has no meaning, no use application, and serves as nothing more than feel-good ink wasting. Frankly it is an insult that they are presenting it as something meaningful, even for fun; a straightforward tally of the number of books and videos you have checked out over the past year would be more interesting.

A year ago I'd have agreed it was harmless. But I have come to realize the percentage of people in this country that cannot separate meaningless info from important facts. I've worked in many libraries, for many years, and prefer them to continue to be viewed as a source for meaningful information rather than contributors to the Sea of Inane.

" the percentage of people in this country that cannot separate meaningless info from important facts"

I agree completely. But why tee-off on libraries about this - it's an issue with everything for anyone with this problem. The solution isn't less information. What should be done to fix it?

I didn't "tee-off" on libraries--you exaggerate so, Mr. Fudd. lol I think adding to the pile of meaningless is less a solution than not contributing to it. That is all.

Okay, fair enough.

No need to wait for death to contribute to your library.

I've contributed to some local ones for a number of years, earlier by cheque, which came from bank account, fed by pensions and return on investments - all of which had been taxed.

After-tax money contributed to charities is worthwhile.

But.

A few years ago I transferred investments that had appreciated in value to a charity, received a receipt for the full current value (of about $100.00 per share) and had them forward various amounts to a couple of dozen charities. As I'd paid less than $4.25 per share, had I sold them, there'd have been a capital gain of about $95.80 and I'd have been taxable at regular rate on half of that, just under $48.00.

As a gift to a charity, that capital gain was tax free.

I've continued to follow that path for several years.

I prefer to make before-tax gifts to charities.

ole joyfuelled ... with fuelling assistance from enhanced gifts to charities

While few charities turn away contributions, most are unprepared to deal with gifts of property (like securities) and unwilling to become prepared unless the amount involved is large. In my experience, similarly few individuals bother to do this unless, again, the amount is large AND they're in a high tax bracket so that the tax difference matters. Otherwise, the shares can be sold, the money for tax retained from the proceeds, and the net gets contributed. No skin off the donor's nose either way.

Are you in such a high tax bracket and making large contributions such that it makes a difference?