Why buy it? More libraries let you borrow costly items for free

Looking for another way to save money?

Don't overlook your local library, which may offer more than books. Those with library cards can often check out things to expand their hobbies, too.

Libraries across the country have a variety of unique and expensive items that are available to check out for free, and patrons are utilizing the items to save money while more budgets are strained.

These are often included in collections called the "Library of Things."

"These types of items are very expensive for families or individuals to buy," said Maria McCauley, president of the American Library Association. "So having these available for free through your local library is quite wonderful."

Here's a sampling of some other things you can check out at libraries across the country:

Asya Welz of Dayton, Ohio, frequents several libraries near her to check out books, audiobooks and nontraditional items, especially for her 6-year-old daughter who is homeschooled.

Recently, Welz checked out a pressure washer to clean her driveway.

"That saved us time because I didn't have to research it and I didn't have to go through pros and cons like 'do we need it bad enough to go buy it?'"

Welz also checked…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/