Super savvy savers

Sale at Brown's Department Store, 1957

Saving money and being value conscious is on everyone's minds these days. Sometimes, though, we need a little nudge to become super savers.

That's why the library is creating the "Frugal Friends Coupon Club." Two staff members--Lynne and Michelle--are spearheading the effort. In addition to being a coupon swap, the club will allow members to learn new money saving skills. A few of the possible topics for montly meetings include:

• Learn to plant your own pesticide-free and tasty herbs, vegetables and fruits.
• Create your own cleaning supplies using fewer chemicals and less money!
• Get tips for running a successful yard sale and learn how to find good deals at other sales around town.
• Discover how to give creative and quality gifts the frugal way!

The Frugal Friends Coupon Club's first meeting is March 3rd from 11:00 am to noon. Visit our online calendar to join the club!

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But, don't stop there! Over the years, we have featured a number of ways to save money and be more savvy when you shop. The library also maintains a list of helpful consumer resources.

Perhaps one of the best kept secrets on that page is that you can access Consumer Reports, wait for it...for free, from home! Just be sure to have your library card on hand.

Finally, if you haven't noticed yet, we have a new product that should speak to the budget minded individual. With Freegal (it sort of rhymes with "frugal," right), you can download three songs for week for free! You can keep them forever and play them on any device.

So, go forth and be the super savvy shopper that you were meant to be.

Can I access these resources from home?

Yes, you can!

With a valid Des Plaines Public Library, any of the links above should take you right to the online resource.

Don't have a library card? Stop by sometime and get one. Any Des Plaines resident can apply.

We'll always have the Love Tent

If you haven't been by the library recently, you might have missed the "Love Tent" on the third floor. What is the "Love Tent"? It's our celebration of love and romance in the cold month of February.

We built the first "Love Tent" several years back to celebrate a new romance section on the third floor. It was a fun way to inject some color into the library and draw attention to the reorganization of the romance books.

This year, Readers Services decided it was time to build another "Love Tent". Our talented graphic designer Gina reached out to several vendors for support. We were very happy to have the talented people at Red Letter Event Planning, Forget Me Knodt, and Thompson's Grand Rental Station help us build our love oasis.

For the next two weeks, the "Love Tent" will also function as the "Fall in love with Freegal" tent. Drop by at the following times to learn a little bit about our new music downloading product:

Tuesday, 2/14 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Thursday, 2/16 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Tuesday 2/21 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Thursday, 2/23 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Saturday, 2/18 from 11am to 1pm

We hope that the "Love Tent" inspires you to try a little tenderness (and Freegal) in February.

What is eDPPL?

You may have noticed a new option in the left hand navigation of our website called "eDPPL." What is eDPPL? Allow me to explain.

Digital content like eBooks, music, and movies is increasingly important. We want to provide an easy place for you to find what kind of digital content we offer and how to get to it. On the eDPPL page, you will find links to MyMediaMall, Freegal Music, and Filmmakers Online.

As you may know, MyMediaMall is your source for downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. eBooks from MyMediaMall can work with a variety of devices including Kindles, Nooks, and Sony Readers. You can also download apps for your smartphone or tablet device.

Freegal Music is a new product that we are offering for music lovers. With your Des Plaines library card, you can download three songs per week. The songs are in MP3 format and can be used on any type of device--iPods, smartphones, or a computer. The best part? You get the keep the songs forever.

Finally, Filmakers Online provides a wide variety of streaming documentaries and films. This is a great resource for students and teachers, but also for people that just want to learn more about the world.

We will also use the eDPPL page to post FAQs, tutorials, and other helpful resources. And, remember, that eDPPL is accessible 24/7 from your home or office.

Can I access these resources from home?

Yes, you can!

With a valid Des Plaines Public Library, any of the links above should take you right to the online resource.

Don't have a library card? Stop by sometime and get one. Any Des Plaines resident can apply.