Free Information

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Living fabulously means being informed and enlightened about the world around us, and these days you don't need a costly subscription to the evening post to do so. Two of my favorite sources of information and inspiration also happen to be free: the library and free podcasts. If you haven't made it to your local library recently, head on over - it's an incredible source for books, magazines and journals, CDs, DVDs, news, digital media, and more. Even if you live in a small town and think your library falls on the puny side, it is likely to have a partnership with other libraries in your area which means you can request materials from other locations and they'll be delivered to your particular branch at no cost. You can read more about why I think libraries are so great in one of my past posts here.

If you like to get your information in an audio format, podcasts are the way to go. The internet hosts a never-ending supply of regular (or psuedo-regular) audio recordings addressing topics of every kind. Downloading free podcasts to your MP3 player or phone takes just a few seconds, and listening to something interesting is a perfect way to make use of your drive to work, your afternoon walk, or time spent cleaning the house. I like listening to NPR's On Health podcast to stay up to date on the latest health developments, Stop Podcasting Yourself for some comedic relief, and the CNN News Update which comes out with new headline stories every hour. Do you have a favorite podcast you recommend?

The Year of Pleasures

I just finished The Year of Pleasures, a novel by Elizabeth Berg, and true to the title, the book was a pleasure in itself. Berg has a beautiful, descriptive way of writing that brings her scenes to life and paints a rich picture of her characters. The storyline is very much for the female crowd, as the main character Betta deals with the loss of her husband by moving to small town in Illinois and learning how to live without him. There are moments of empowerment and helplessness along the way, but never without the simple joys that make life worth the struggle. It’s the perfect read for a wintry day by the fireplace; recommended for your grandmother and grown daughter alike.

Berg’s descriptions had me picturing every little detail in the book so vividly I was ready to run off and move to the Midwest myself. Here are a few pleasures I’ve been dreaming about since flipping the back cover…

Photo via GPB

Betta is always cooking or baking something for someone, relishing in her nurturing instinct. Even though I’m not one for baking myself, she seemed to find such joy in the process I entertained the thought.

Photo via Lennoxx

Betta has her bedroom painted pale blue to make the space more relaxing, and I love the idea of a matching the shade with a sunny yellow and bright white.

Photo via Houzz

There are several mentions of antique birdcages in the book, and what could be a more fun and beautiful decoration? My gram has had a large birdcage on her mantel for years, filled with little figurines and treasures. I like the idea of hanging a couple from the ceiling, wound with white twinkle lights like lanterns.

Photo via Hugo Naturals

Even bathing takes on an air of luxury in Berg’s novel. Betta would make a production of it, putting on an old album and taking a slow bath, lingering in the warm water. It made me want to do the same, so I promptly picked up a sliver of Hugo Naturals handmade soap and got to it! I have to put in a word for this delightfully scented, all-natural brand that left me skin soft and lush, no moisturizer needed.

Valuable Investments: Library Card

Photo via CAPS Library

I am kicking off day one of Valuable Investments week at Apartment 303 with a simple and free service we should all be utilizing: our local public libraries.  If you cannot remember the last time you saw the inside of your own town library, now is time to dust off that long-forgotten membership card.  For those whose wallets are without this priceless piece of plastic, there is no time like the present to head over to your closest bibliophile haunt and sign up.  Public libraries are a tremendous source of value for our selves, our communities, and our planet; a literal trifecta of value!

Value for Our Selves

Public libraries are a wonderful way to enrich our lives and minds through reading; one of the most time-tested forms of entertainment and knowledge sharing.  I do not need to explain the many reasons why it is important to spend less time in front of the television and more time engaged in a book that challenges our assumptions and helps us to see the world in a new light.  If it has been a while since your last visit, you may have forgotten the many services Librarians provide as well (after all, they do have a Masters in Library Science). These services include research help, book recommendations, locating old newspaper and journal articles, and ordering in books from affiliate libraries for your convenience.   In an era where each of us considers our Wikipedia and Google search skills to be sufficient, it is remarkable how efficient and effective the aid of a Librarian is. 

Your library card is your ticket to unlimited free entertainment and knowledge, and not just through books.  Libraries also stock DVD collections, journal and magazine subscriptions, books on CD, music scores, online news subscriptions, and free Internet access.  That’s right, all of this for free*!  *tax dollars notwithstanding 

Value for Our Community

Public Libraries serve a vital role in any community and are a great place to find out about upcoming events, local history, and all different types of community organizations.  Most libraries offer various book clubs, free or low cost lectures and classes, and children’s programs to boot.  So if you are looking for a way to get more involved in your community, or if you are new to an area and don’t quite know how to find your niche, start with your local library.

Value for Our Environment

Since the publishing industry is such a major polluter, it seems counterintuitive that hitting up your local library is good for the environment.  However, borrowing a book will always be greener than buying your own personal hardback copy…which is likely to be quickly tossed on your bookshelf where it will promptly begin gathering dust for next 25 years.  The concept of sharing resources in the same manner as libraries can also be applied to many other goods and services in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way (think the bicycle sharing program in many European cities, or the popularity of the Freecycle Network). Many libraries also allow you to access e-versions of books they carry – a convenient and entirely paper-free way to read. 

Given all of the value public libraries provide, it is amazing to think that so few people take advantage of their services.  So this week, pay your closest library a visit.  The investment of your time will reap major dividends, all around.