{"id":1679,"date":"2014-06-27T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2014-06-27T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1679"},"modified":"2014-06-27T10:10:00","modified_gmt":"2014-06-27T10:10:00","slug":"how-much-money-have-you-saved-with-your-boston-public-library-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1679","title":{"rendered":"How Much Money Have You Saved with Your Boston Public Library Card?"},"content":{"rendered":"

My Boston Public Library (BPL)<\/a> card is old and grey! In the years since I moved to Boston, the cards have become brightly colored. But, I'm proud of my old, grey card. Because of it, I have saved thousands of dollars and hours of time. We are making the BPL library card<\/a> our Friday Link. <\/p>\n

\"Photo\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I have a shelf in our living room reserved for the library materials I have out-on-loan. The only time you'll find that shelf empty is when we're going away and I have returned all my library goodies.<\/p>\n

Right now, I'm auditioning Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries. This is the seventh cookbook I've borrowed this year. With each book, I have an opportunity to sit and really decide how this would fit into an overcrowded food reference library.<\/p>\n

Does it offer enough new material that I don't already have in other books?<\/p>\n

Are the recipes ones that I will use and recommend to my friends and readers?<\/p>\n

Does the writing and photography offer inspiration?<\/p>\n

Should I sell or donate another book and buy this one to take its place on the shelf?<\/p>\n

Of course, reference books on the topics I write about are only part of the savings.<\/p>\n

I use the electronic resources, download audiobooks, get help from librarians in specialized subjects, and use the digital books, photos, and maps the BPL offers to learners from Boston and beyond. I also attend educational programs, exhibits, and public meetings at the BPL.<\/p>\n

How much money have I saved? I don't really know but I would estimate that the figure is substantial. What's more, using a shared resource is good for the environment. Using digital resouces is even better.<\/p>\n

The BPL is a money-saving, green resource and should be promoted and protected by all who use and love this system of free lifetime learning.  <\/p>\n

Don't have a BPL card? Look what you're missing! Here's how to get one!<\/a><\/p>\n

What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Arts & Craft needs<\/a> and support this site!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n