If you are a frequent library user, like me, you know how valuable the library is in your life. I saved over $800 last year by checking out books and A/V materials from the library rather than buying them. Of course, I couldn’t afford to buy them, so if the library wasn’t there for me, I would be much more ignorant and much less entertained.

How much has the library saved you? It tells you each time you check out an item how much you saved by doing so. Remember to look at your check-out receipt. It tells your total savings to date for the year. 

Of course, checking out physical books, audio books, and videos is not the only way the library saves you money. When you download an ebook or audio book from one of the library’s online services, that also saves you money. I’ve listened to at least ten audio books in the last few months from Hoopla, Libby, and Blackstone, the library’s free, online services. Hoopla and Libby also have thousands of free ebooks for you to read. So, you can save hundreds of dollars more with these online library services. Just check the library catalog; you’re bound to find something interesting.

Oh, did I forget about movies? The library has hundreds of them on DVDs and thousands are directly streamable to your TV or portable device from Hoopla. All you need is your library card number. Your viewing options just got doubled.

The library does far more than just save you money and make your life more enjoyable. The public library is also an essential part of the American education and economic systems.

The library and the schools are partners in helping children grow intellectually. Home schoolers in particular rely heavily on public libraries. Businesses and entrepreneurs use library resources extensively to help their business succeed. Many well-known businesses got their start with information provided by public libraries.

In addition to providing materials for individuals and organizations, libraries provide public-access computers, informational programs, and free meeting spaces for groups of all types. The library ain’t just books, baby, it’s your go-to place for more enjoyable, more informed, more prosperous living. And did I mention that it’s free? Well, not exactly. You pay for it through your taxes. So, it’s truly your library. And the annual cost you pay (probably about the price of one paperback book) is far smaller than the annual benefit you receive.

Many studies have been done to measure the economic and social value of public libraries. They always show that libraries provide at least $10 in value for every dollar invested. No other public (or private) service provides that kind of return on investment. Furthermore, studies have shown that cities with good public libraries are much more prosperous and lively than those with poor or no public library.

Your Marble Falls Public Library is one of the top-rated libraries in Texas for its size. Part of its funding comes from the Friends of the Marble Falls Library Thrift Store in addition to your county taxes. Consider joining the Friends to help make the Marble Falls Library even better for yourself and the entire community. The library is your best investment and your biggest bargain!