Public libraries are great because they’re always free and they open their doors to everyone. Chances are most people haven’t visited their local library since high school, or since they’ve racked up ridiculous fines they were hoping would get purged by inactivity. Since then, libraries have updated their catalogues to computer systems, offer free internet (and the ability to freely surf the net because of 1st amendment rights), and have a surprisingly wide DVD selection to help supplement Netflix subscriptions.
The library makes it easy to cut back on expenses “in this economy” by offering their services to anyone with a library card and plenty of hand sanitizer. They have the latest CDs and DVDs to burn rather than paying for them or downloading from Bit Torrent. Instead of buying expensive books from Barnes & Noble or Borders, you can check the online catalog, click on “reserve,” and then swing by the library when it’s ready for pick up. You just have to learn to be snappy about requesting what you want before everything gets scratched or dirty enough you’ll have to read while wearing gloves.
Every time you go to the library you’re sure to be surprised by the amount of people just like you milling around, unemployed, killing time while avoiding paying $50 for a travel guide or computer programming book they’ll never open. After a few visits you’ll learn not to go to the children’s section because that’s where the brats are running around after school since their parents can no longer afford day care. You’ll also avoid going to the bathroom because that’s where the homeless people are splashing water on themselves or washing their clothes in the sink. You might even meet library friends with whom you’ll exchange all-knowing nods as you quickly scan their items cursing yourself for not getting to them sooner. Soon enough, going to the li-barry will become routine - until you start getting lazy about leaving the house, have reached your renewal limit, and can’t afford to pay your late fees.
Tags: free stuff, in this economy, Joaquin Phoenix, library, things to do when unemployed
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Have you ever told a joke and at the end you were the only one laughing? Well if not told than definitely written one that doesn’t muster a chuckle because that seems to be the deal with this blog. I understand what you all are TRYING to do by adding a little sunshine via laughter in an over all down economy but this really just isn’t that funny. It’s like a knock off brand of something much better that doesn’t even come close in quality to the original. The writers seem like they have a template to follow in order to squeeze a “har har” out of the reader… They fail miserably. Making fun of the unemployed in a funny not so cliche way is funny. Making fun of the unemployed with your cookie cutter path to laughter is just lame.
The buffet one was actually kind of funny though.
[...] Might As Well Take Advantage Of Your Tax Dollaz! Jump to Comments Our comrades at Stuff Unemployed People Like really hit the nail on the head with their #26 entry “Public Libraries.” [...]
In response to E’s comment, I’d like to say that as an unemployed person, I find this site hilarious! The writers are witty and on point and I don’t feel like they follow a cookie cutter template. But of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion…
[...] happy to see public libraries made the list, too. I donated 10 more books to my new hometown library this weekend, but I’m [...]
I would also like to add that I find this site to be absolutely HILARIOUS and completely spot on
-from a Laid off, snuggie wearing, couch potato.