In the past couple of years I have discovered the vast DVD and video collection of the Vancouver Public Library. For those who don’t know, your local library most likely lends out DVDs and Video Tapes (as well as CDs, Books on Tape/Spoken Word, etc.) just like books. I’ve all but given up my Rogers Video membership card when I found this out because now, I can see the latest blockbusters on DVD for free. Why not check with your local library first before heading over to your video store next time you feel like spending some quality time with your TV, couch and potato chips?
Free DVD rental sounds good? It is. Here are some advantages to borrowing DVDs from the library:
- Free DVD and Video rentals.
- Browse their online catalogue and see if the DVD is in and available to borrow.
- You can put a reserve or hold on a DVD or video for up to 7 days, it will be waiting for you at the library until you are ready to pick it up. (Some DVDs will have a 50 cent hold fee)
- No need to rush to watch the film. You have a week (sometimes 2 weeks) to keep the DVD. Even for new releases!
- Oops, forgot to return the DVD on time? The late charge is just 50 cents per day, way cheaper than late fees at the video store.
- Your local library doesn’t carry the DVD you want? No problem, you can request the film from another library in their network. And they’ll deliver it to any library branch you want them to for you to pick up.
- The library doesn’t carry the DVD at all? Make a request for them to purchase the film and when it’s available, they’ll email and hold the DVD for you to pick up. (The library has some rules about what they will or will not purchase, but I have requested they carry a couple of TV series before and they have obliged).
Although borrowing DVDs from the library is great, the system is not perfect. They have a very limited number of copies per film and it can take a while to get the DVD you want if it is a popular film or a new release. I have waited up to 6 weeks for a DVD to be available for me to pick up after placing a hold on it. That being said, if you have several movies you want to see, place a hold on all of them (as far as I know you can place an unlimited number of holds on DVDs) and most likely you’ll have a DVD from that list to see each weekend.
I hope this info helps you save some cash on movie rentals. Happy viewing everyone!
* Please note that I am writing about the Vancouver Public Library system specifically. But it might be worth your while to check your local library’s policies when borrowing items from them. You might get a pleasant surprise as I did a couple of years ago when I discovered this!
Looking for more tips to save some cash? Then be sure to visit the Saving Tips section of this website.
Great tip! When I first moved to Vancouver and was very tight on cash, I used their free computer/internet access every day. It was a total blessing and if it wasn’t for the library my job searching would’be been seriously hampered. After I was done I would then check out books (again, for free) to keep me entertained during the evening. I haven’t been back in awhile though so I had no idea about the DVD’s! I guess it’s time for me to rediscover the library all over again. Thanks for the tip!