My family is a book family. As far back as I can remember, even before my father began writing books, our house was full of books. Piles and piles of books lying in every corner of the house. My mother was always trying to find space to build bookshelves. As an avid reader myself, I soon got into the habit of collecting books. The love of books has been passed on to my children, and since they were born we have been collecting books. The bookstore, for them, is like going to a toy store.
Recently, as part of my family’s effort to tighten up our home finances, we have begun the transition from bookstore to library. And the benefits have been incredibly rewarding! Santa Monica where I live has a new, beautiful library. We made a family trip to the new building, got library cards and spent the afternoon looking at the endless books there. Tara, my elder daughter, was so excited to see the variety of books from fiction to biographies to fantasy. They each got two lovely books to read (which they read that same night) and are ready to go back as soon as possible. In addition, we are setting aside books and dvds to donate and share with others in our community.
I marvel that if it weren’t for the uncertainty of the recession, I would have pushed off this incredible opportunity to teach my girls that a love for books is separate from the need to accumulate them. Not only are we supporting our local library, we are also encouraging our children to live more a more sustainable lifestyle—that is, taking advantage of what is already there instead of always buying everything brand-new.
Though the constant outpouring of negative news on foreclosures, bankruptcies and unemployment is nearly impossible to avoid, I have been reading with great interest the silver lining that has been emerging from this difficult economic period. Of families spending more time with their kids in nature or playing ball, rather than just seeing a movie. Or the rise in volunteers for non-profit organizations and charity events. An increase in public transportation. People everywhere learning in big and small ways that you really do not need to buy so many things to live a happy, fulfilled life.
How do you save money? Our editors will be highlighting the best posts at the end of the week. Looking forward to reading all your ideas!
i also have stopped buying magazines and instead just read them at the library instead. i still like going to the bookstore for free without buying anything!
LOVE the Santa Monica library — it is such a treat in and of itself. And it's nice to be around other people who also revere books and learning. I am a lifelong fan of libraries.
Haha! Same here…I often tell people for me buying books is like buying shoes for other women! I always remind myself to keep a lid on it…even before the financial times cause I just have too many to read books heaped up too! Cause I buy so many!
Something to note too is how many free reading seems to be available online nowadays too…there is the whole Google books thing too…from their site:
"The Future of Google Book Search
Our groundbreaking agreement with authors and publishers.
Three years ago, the Authors Guild, the Association of American Publishers and a handful of authors and publishers filed a class action lawsuit against Google Book Search.
Today we're delighted to announce that we've settled that lawsuit and will be working closely with these industry partners to bring even more of the world's books online. Together we'll accomplish far more than any of us could have individually, to the enduring benefit of authors, publishers, researchers and readers alike.
It will take some time for this agreement to be approved and finalized by the Court. For now, here's a peek at the changes we hope you'll soon see.
1. Book Search today
2. How Book Search will change
3. Three types of books
4. The Book Rights Registry
5. Libraries and universities
6. Looking forward"
Then I notice on Paulo Coelho's Facebook group he is basically sharing chapters and chapters of his upcoming book for free!
Of course the hook is if you want to finish the story Im guessing you will then buy the book…
And then so many ebooks…many yrs ago I found The Hobbit online absolutely free!
My post on saving money
http://www.intent.com/blog/2009/03/16/yogi-and-sa…
Love
Rajesh
http://rajeshmsharma.blogspot.com
I loved reading about how your girls are discovering the library. Libraries are truly holy places
))
I won't write a whole blogpost, because I think there is actually one single tip I have: don't save money. Instead, focus on doing more of what you DEEPLY want to do. It will bring you such that exists in abundance, doesn't cost anything and enriches your and everyone's life. And all that stuff you thought was essential will show itself to be a limit you've left behind.