Westerly Sun Column | Vacation or Staycation? Library Has You Covered.

The summer months tend to be a popular time for travel. Students are off of school, the weather is generally warmer and more predictable, and many seasonal attractions are open to the masses. As we welcome August – one of the peak travel months – all of these things are certainly true, but other factors, like the rising cost of living, are also impacting travel plans. If affordability is influencing your summer travel, you aren’t alone. And, although the library unfortunately can’t fund your trip to Disneyworld, we’ve still got some pretty nifty tips, tricks, and resources for helping you make the most of your summer.

Anyone who has ever made a concerted efforts to pinch pennies knows that those coins do add up over time. If you’ve ever borrowed an item out from the library, you may have noticed a fun little section on the checkout slip that notes how much money you have saved by using the library. For “frequent flyers”, that number can be pretty impressive! Each time you borrow a book instead of buying it, or skip the cinema and wait to watch a movie until it comes out at the library, the money you save could be reallocated to your travel fund. I know I’ve saved a pretty penny by cancelling my streamers and taking advantage of the films and TV shows available at the library, and by taking my kids to free local events on weekends. Services like the Seed Library, Plant Cutting Library, and free puzzle corner can also make a difference and save you money over the long-run.

For those who are planning a vacation (or staycation), you should absolutely make a stop in the 900’s section of our nonfiction collection, which is where we keep our travel books. Depending on your destination, you’ll likely to find several different guides at the library or through our consortium, which can help you plan your trip. Most of these books retail for over $20, too, so borrowing instead of buying will let you put that money right back into your pocket!

If a big trip is not on your itinerary this year, you can still have plenty of fun locally by taking advantage of your library card. Our museum passes, for instance, give you free or discounted admission to popular spots like the Niantic Children’s Museum and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum (among others), so you can take plan a fun day-trip with the whole family for a fragment of the usual cost. Even a day at the library can be an exciting expedition! There’s no shortage of things to keep kids and teens busy, like crafts, video games, scavenger hunts, and fun programs and events. The same is true for adults, who can create in our Makerspace, admire the latest exhibit in our Hoxie Gallery, catch one of the Colonial Theatre’s plays in the park, or simply sprawl out with a blanket and a good book. In short, whether you’re staying local or traveling afar this summer, the library is here for you!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian