They say Reading is Fundamental. Well, I don’t know who “they” are, but “they” are right. Da Hustler — in spite of all that you see on this site — does not know everything about saving money and getting deals, and as a result, I have to continuously read and research to stay on top of my game. One way that gain knowledge on the inexpensive side is to scour the internet, find relevant and interesting articles, see how it could fit into my life or the lives of others, then tell everyone that I know. In doing this, I often come across references to books, and instead of going to Amazon or eBay to see how cheap I can get them for, last year I dusted off my library card and went there instead.

This approach to furthering your education is often overlooked unless you are in public school or college. It seems that once you become a member of the “real world,” you are taught to buy items at retail so your local shopkeeper can take expensive vacations on your dime (then give you the honor of viewing the photos, how thoughtful). This extends to groceries, cars, dining out, and even reading. Take a look at how advertising has bamboozled all of us over the years:

• Common belief: Need food? The supermarket is your best bet (processed, preservatives added, higher cost)
• Overlooked reality: Your local farmers market is often cheaper and has truly fresh produce, a larger selection of organic items and meats with no hormones added

• Common belief: To get to work, you need a car.
• Overlooked reality: Public transit goes farther than you may think, just take the time to do a little research. Also, check into express buses that serve remote areas, car & van pools, or get some much needed exercise and ride a bicycle or walk to work! You save on gas and aren’t polluting the environment as much as the next guy!

• Common belief: Want to read a good book? Buy one at Barnes & Noble or Borders, and you might even save 30% off the newsstand price
• Overlooked reality: Your local library has many of the same bestsellers, and you’ll save 100% off the newsstand price.

• Common belief: Want to see a good movie? Head on over to an AMC, Regal or Loews cineplex. You’ll even pay less when you go see a matinee ($7.25/ticket is still $29 for a family of four, and you haven’t even bought the concessions yet!)
• Overlooked reality: Forget Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, the new place to get your movies is RedBox for $1/day rentals. Even better, check your local library for good and independent titles you never knew existed, and pay nothing!

These are just a few examples of what can be accomplished when you do not accept what society deems as “standard” and you challenge the status quo. When i found out about the wonders of the library and how it has evolved from when I was a kid, I was simply amazed. Libraries are starting to become your central location for anything media, and the best part is that you don’t have to pay for it! Check out some of the other benefits of using your library card:

• Access to prescription drug discounts and other health care benefits
• Help with taxes (some will even help you file your return for free)
• Access to technological resources (computer equipment, projectors, media readers) with on-site technical staff
• Get discounts at some retailers when you show your card
• Meeting rooms available just for the asking
• Prepare for presentations much cheaper than using a place such as FedEx Kinkos
• Assistance with your child’s schoolwork (or maybe even yours!)
• Download audiobooks, music and eMovies
• Play games and get involved in gaming tournaments
• Have books mailed to you if you cannot get to a branch
• Get free prom dresses for girls (could wedding gowns be next?)
• Learn a new language
• Learn to read
• Vote
• Wireless internet hotspot
• Check out materials in an adjacent county/library system
• Take computer learning courses

There are many others, but some are specific to your local system, so check with them to be sure of all that’s available to you. in addition, don’t limit yourself to just one library system! These entities often work with each other, and there may be ways to get access to another system without having to pay a non-resident fee. The combined services of the library network can lower the total cost of living, while still providing you with the same quality of life that you have now (or better!). So yeah, you still may have to be quiet (and please place your cell phones on silent), but in the end, silently saving money this way is a hustle that many of us will want to shout about!