Bookworm Cottage Style

I pop into the library at least once a week. Typically I’m grabbing a few board books for my baby, picking up a book that I requested, and browsing the shelves for buzzy new releases. But those aren’t the only things I get there. Here are other ways I love using the library to save money and prioritize analog, offline experiences.

Coffee Table Books // There is something so indulgent about flipping through a big, glossy coffee table book. In fact, I’ve decided that my “summer reading” this year will heavily feature all of the beautiful interior design books that I’ve long wanted to read but haven’t been able to find the money for. If I absolutely end up loving one I can always purchase it from my local bookstore. But this will be a great, screen-free, no-cost way to gather inspiration for decorating my home. There are a few titles that aren’t available from my library that I’m dying to flip through. So once I work my way through the available ones I’m going to put in a request so that they can secure those from another library through their sharing/loan program.

DVDs // If you’re nostalgic for the experience of renting movies in-person at Blockbuster, browsing the DVD selection at the library is a pretty great alternative. But this is not just a 90s era movie selection. I have borrowed several new release movies just months after they were in theaters, and even premium streaming content. For example my husband was in the middle of season 3 of White Lotus when we got kicked off of my brother’s HBO account. Lo and behold, I was able to pick it up from the library the very next day! The other reason I like physical DVDs is that once you grab something, it removes the decision paralysis of deciding what to watch on a streaming service. 

Discounted Museum Tickets // I love making time for experiences, but museum tickets are so expensive these days that it’s hard to find the extra money. And with an infant, who knows how long we’ll actually be able to spend in any one place. Where I live, museum tickets aren’t necessarily free via the library but they are heavily discounted. I’ve used the library to score discounted MFA tickets for their beautiful Art in Bloom exhibit and I’ve also used the library to get FREE tickets for a Boston By Foot Walking Tour. 

Poke around on your library’s website and you might be surprised by what they offer!