Sample Library Value Calculator usage for patron borrowing two books, one ebook, one movie, and one online course in a month for a total savings of $123. Courtesy image
What are the out-of-pocket costs for library services, resources, and programs you and your family benefit from?
Try out the Library’s new Library Value Calculator at https://scarboroughlibrary.org/calculator to get an informed estimate. Start by simply plugging in a few numbers that represent your typical monthly usage. The results may surprise you!
While it is likely that borrowing a few books per year rather than purchasing them exceeds your annual tax investment, the calculator will show you ways to save even more. Your library card allows you to borrow valuable materials and resources in print, on disc, and online. It is even possible to borrow museum passes to the Portland Museum of Art, Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, Maine Wildlife Park.
Not all internet resources are free. Your library card helps you access some online resources behind paywalls: Ancestry.com for genealogical research; Udemy online courses; cloudLibrary for ebooks and eaudiobooks; Kanopy for streaming quality movies and documentaries; Flipster for reading magazines like The New Yorker cover to cover on your tablet; and Value Line to get another perspective on your investment portfolio.
Each of these Library resources offer real value, and potential cost savings. Try out the Library Value Calculator to learn just how much your library is worth to you.
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