More Ways the Public Library Can Help Save You Money
McPherson Sentinel, October 26, 2011

Last time I discussed several ways in which the McPherson Public Library can save you money during these tough economic times.  Here are a few more.

Watch Them for Free
Most people enjoy watching movies and videos, but whatever video entertainment option you prefer, it will cost money.  The McPherson Public Library has a collection of some 3,500 DVDs for all ages just waiting for you to check them out.  We have a wide variety of BBC comedies, dramas, and mysteries.  And you can always count on us to provide insightful documentaries on both past and present topics and issues. 

Our American Film Classics collection is unique, consisting of a large number of films produced by American studios from the early days of the industry into the mid-1970’s.  And don’t forget our children’s DVDs – both fun and educational. 

Trace it for Free
When it comes to researching your family history, Ancestry.com is the Cadillac of all genealogy resources.  But Ancestry does not provide their extensive resources as a free service.  The McPherson Public Library, however, does.  Patrons who are tracing their family and use our computers in the library have access to the international edition of Ancestry.  This includes all of their databases and information not only in the United States but across the globe.   It doesn’t get any better than that!

Test Prep for Free
Whether we like it or not, taking tests is often a requirement in achieving career and educational goals.  And if you want to succeed, then you must prepare for those tests.  Why buy text preparation books when the public library provides a much better product for free?  Learning Express Library, one of our online resources,  gives you the opportunity to take practice tests for over 300 different exams online. 

The practice tests included in Learning Express Library represent a wide variety of careers, including Civil Service, Military, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMS,  Postal Worker, Nurse Aide, Cosmetology, Real Estate, and Teacher Certification.  Also included are practice tests for graduate and undergraduate college entrance, such as the ACT, SAT, and PSAT, as well as ESL, and U.S. citizenship tests.

You may access Learning Express Library by visiting the McPherson Public Library web site at www.macpl.org and selecting the Search Databases option.

Download Them for Free
eBooks have been a part of the technological landscape for several years, but no options have existed for providing our library patrons with eBooks that did not include poor selection, long waiting times, and inadequate compatibility with eReaders.  That all changes in December, when the McPherson Public Library will roll out an eBook service for our patrons which will provide a good selection of titles and which will be compatible with a wide variety of devices. Watch for publicity as we get closer to December.

There are many more ways in which your public library can save you money in these times.  Stop by the library, walk around, and discover everything we have to offer.