Most office workers and entrepreneurs are looking to improve their focus and productivity. There are plenty of tools and resources available for purchase at just about any bookstore. But buying several books about money management and self-improvement can seem a little counterintuitive at times. There’s some good news. No need to spend your hard-earned cash on books you’ll probably only read once. Just visit your local library.

Public libraries tend to get a bad rap, but they are full of excellent resources. In big cities, some library systems will even pay for online learning subscriptions like Lynda.com. Many offer research database access, job seeking resources, tax advice, and even language learning programs. Depending on your local library, you could have hundreds of different resources at your fingertips free of charge. Once you have a library card, you probably won’t even need to go to your local branch again. You can access tons of resources online that will help you on your path to self improvement.

But more obviously, libraries have books. And your local library probably already has an extensive non-fiction and self improvement collection. Most likely the books you want to read are waiting for you to check them out. However, if your library doesn’t have a book that you want, you can probably request it be purchased. Still, most libraries are on top of new releases that will be popular with readers and their library members.

So instead of paying $20 or $40 for a new money management book, you can read it and absorb all of the tips and tricks you need without paying an extra dime. And nowadays, most libraries offer ebooks and audiobooks. These digital items can be checked out without leaving your house and are automatically returned when the rental period runs out. No need to stress over picking up your items and returning them on time — if that’s a barrier to using the library for you.

Everyone wants to improve their lives and habits, but spending money to learn more on how to isn’t always practical. Why buy brand new books when you can borrow them for free? Local libraries are very underused by the people who pay to keep them running. If you pay any portion of sales or property tax in your city, you’re probably already helping to fund your local library. Why not take advantage of it?

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Most office workers and entrepreneurs are looking to improve their focus and productivity. There are plenty of tools and resources available for purchase at just about any bookstore. But buying several books about money management and self-improvement can seem a little counterintuitive at times. There's some good news. No need to spend your hard-earned cash on books you'll probably only read once. Just visit your local library.
Public libraries tend to get a bad rap, but they are full of excellent resources. In big cities, some library systems will even pay for online learning subscriptions like Lynda.com. Many offer research database access, job seeking resources, tax advice, and even language learning programs. Depending on your local library, you could have hundreds of different resources at your fingertips free of charge. Once you have a library card, you probably won't even need to go to your local branch again. You can access tons of resources online that will help you on your path to self improvement.
But more obviously, libraries have books. And your local library probably already has an extensive non-fiction and self improvement collection. Most likely the books you want to read are waiting for you to check them out. However, if your library doesn't have a book that you want, you can probably request it be purchased. Still, most libraries are on top of new releases that will be popular with readers and their library members.
So instead of paying $20 or $40 for a new money management book, you can read it and absorb all of the tips and tricks you need without paying an extra dime. And nowadays, most libraries offer ebooks and audiobooks. These digital items can be checked out without leaving your house and are automatically returned when the rental period runs out. No need to stress over picking up your items and returning them on time — if that's a barrier to using the library for you.
Everyone wants to improve their lives and habits, but spending money to learn more on how to isn't always practical. Why buy brand new books when you can borrow them for free? Local libraries are very underused by the people who pay to keep them running. If you pay any portion of sales or property tax in your city, you're probably already helping to fund your local library. Why not take advantage of it? 
"

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