It is the digital age, and multitudinous services abound to quench your entertainment needs.  But the collective cost of these services may be a lot more than you realize.  Especially when you consider that your local library can meet the same needs for free.

Now don’t get me wrong, many of these products are redefining the channels that we receive our information through.  And some have done this in very helpful ways.

Who can argue with programs that have nixed late fees and TV recording companies that let us skip over commercials?

But these services come with a serious price tag attached because they are also refining impulse purchasing.

Companies such as Amazon and iTunes memorize your payment and shipping information so that now you can instantly decide to purchase something without having to pause long enough to open up your wallet.

We have also become complacent about shelling out monthly service fees, without considering the collective cost of these services.

The great news is that your local library has also kept up with the technology curve.

And you can pretty much meet the same entertainment needs, listed in this diagram with no price tag attached.

• Most libraries now allow you to reserve your books online, cutting back on the hassle of reserving the book or movie that you want to watch.
• Thousands of libraries now offer a Netflix-like program where you can download books and movies straight from your computer, without even leaving your home.

Now, you may have to wait a little longer for new books, but that is totally worth $1,000.  And if you can’t find what you want, ask your librarian because, chances are, they’ll order it for you!