This may seem basic, but the New York Public Library is one of the city’s most efficient, yet underutilized services. And it is totally free (and free of hassles). So if you’re not doing it, you either don’t like learning (dummy) or are rich enough to continuously buy new books (lucky)!
- Sign up for a free library card. (Get it delivered by mail, or pick up in person if you need to get your borrow on ASAP).
- Login and search for a book.
- Request it be delivered to any library branch in the city. With more than 80, there’s definitely one near your home/office/gym/therapist.
- Get email saying it’s ready for pickup. (You don’t have to go right away—it’s held for a few days.)
- READ!!!! (You usually have three weeks, one week for Express books.)
- Slowpokes can renew online (with some stipulations).
- Return to any branch.
- Repeat.
- Become a total smarty! (Or at least be well read.)
Yes, I have heard of e-books. But not all titles available yet at NYPL. Visit its growing e-book collection.
Photo: Flick r/henry…
iknowcoolthings 
A NYC gem, yes! As a voracious reader, I’ve been requesting books to be put on hold and then sent to my home and work neighborhood library branches for years now. Easy pick-up and then drop off at any other branch I’m near on the day I finish reading the book. A fabulous service and much appreciated use of my tax dollars.
Also enjoying your blog/tips, Stephanie! It’s fun to know cool things!
Great to hear from you, Laura! Another cool thing about borrowing books is the extra incentive to read them; it seems like the due date always looms near!! Thanks for checking out my blog.