Read. Learn. Be part of the community

Here at the library, we are thrilled that the public came out in large numbers to approve our new budget in the recent election on April 9.

A lot of people are feeling that we’re entering a time of economic uncertainty and volatility. We feel like this is a good time to remind everyone of ways that the library can help you save money and keep you grounded. We can be your rock and help you get the information, entertainment, and community that you need to thrive regardless of economic circumstance.

First, and most obviously, borrowing things from the library means you don’t need to spend money on buying them or subscribing to services like Audible. There’s a calculator of library value that you can find at the New York Library Association website - https://www.nyla.org/library-use-value-calculator-widget - you can try plugging in various estimates based on your library usage to see how much you’re saving by using the library instead of buying things. If you’re experiencing hard times or just trying to be thrifty, the library can be a great way to give yourself a little treat at no cost – instead of buying a copy of a novel, manga, or movie, you can just check it out from the library.

We also have books on personal finance: saving, investing, and budgeting that can help you navigate through lean times and strategize a way to build retirement savings. Or you can learn how to make your own food, garden your own vegetables, or mend your clothing.

The library can also be a place to meet other people through our book groups or as a meeting place for other local organizations. According to author David Brooks in the New Yorker article “The Social Animal” dated January 9, 2011: “Joining a group that meets just once a month produces the same increase in happiness as doubling your income.”

One of the upcoming programs we’d like to call attention to was on April 17 when the library collaborated with Hudson Valley and Goshen VA to create a welcoming and safe space for veterans from all branches to come together for a coffee hour called Salute and Sip.

This program offers a unique and powerful opportunity to gain insight into the values of service and sacrifice. Connect by listening, sharing stories and asking questions. Most importantly, it reminds us to have empathy, understanding and to honor those who have served.

We have plenty of other programs on our schedule; you can access our full online calendar by scanning the QR code below or by vising our website at goshenpubliclibrary.org.