What's your library worth to you?

How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?

There is an online calculator that will give you an estimate of how much money you are saving by using your public library, its materials and online services.

Enter the number of items that you check out—books, paperbacks, DVDs. The calculator will figure the retail cost that you would pay for this service. The cost is based on a statewide Florida average.

Also included is a cost estimate for programs that you or your family may attend, use of an online database, or use of a library computer.

In these difficult economic times, libraries are seeing increased use of their services as families have to scale back budgets.

So, borrow a DVD from the library and save $4.50. Borrow a book and save $15.00 over the cost of buying a hardback or paperback book. Attend a computer class, save $10.00. Ask for help in finding an answer to a question, save $7.00.

Calculate your own savings here: Savings Calculator