Long Live the Rental Revolution!

October 12, 2012

What's the one thing on everyone's mind lately? The economy. What does that translate into? Money...or lack thereof. If you're like most of the other people out there, you're probably a little short on cash. Outside of striking it rich with the lottery, what's a person to do?

Experts are noticing a rise in rentals! Young people, especially, are looking for new ways to make a dollar stretch. Among my friends, most college educated, and employed, many have foregone cable for services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu+. These services offer a pay as you go model that allows for flexibility and on demand services. There is a rise in other rentals as well: My Celebrity Dress allows UK patrons to "hire dresses" as they say, similar to Rent the Runway. Relay Rides lets you rent cars and trucks from locals for a small fee. Air BnB lets you rent a room from locals for a fee as well, while CouchSurfing lets you crash on someone's couch for free!

Share Some Sugar runs the gamut of various products, apparel, and even craft supplies. There are several other sites like this out there: NeighborGoods, Rentalic, Snap Goods, and more. Several of these are specific to a certain city, or have more concentrated users in specific locations, but the trend is growing! Freecycle offers products for trade or for free, and allows you to post what you may be looking for as well.

Of course, let's not forget, the best deal in town: the Library! In addition to books, we have brand new DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, eBooks, databases, online tutoring, language courses, online learning and test prep, job search resources, and so much more. Still unconvinced? We've got an amazing free service we call Interlibrary Loan. It means we can get materials from other libraries through a service called WorldCat from around the world for you! Maybe you want a Beatles album on vinyl, a book of Swedish poetry from Sweden, a slasher movie from 30 years ago...did you know there are even libraries that lend cookware? I found several games to rent: video or board. They have maps and musical scores, computer files and online resources, more than you could ever need!

So join the revolution: save money, make money, cut down on your global footprint, and maybe even help someone in need!

Abbey L.
South Independence Branch