Four Frugal Things -- Soccer Games & a Disappointing Library
1) My friend Lise texted to ask if I wanted a table to rehab. Unfortunately I have neither space nor inclination for a new-to-me table at the moment. I did offer to take it for my Buy Nothing group, so I stopped by her house to grab the table.
Luckily it didn't weigh too much!
I was not more than three minutes from her house when a neighbor complimented me on the table, which garnered her the offer of a free table!
She gave me a couple stalks of fresh sage as a thank you!
2) I also walked my plastics recycling to New Seasons Market, which is always satisfying declutter as it piles up on our back porch. I didn't buy anything in the store.
3) My next stop was the newly expanded Belmont branch library. I actually checked it out a couple weeks ago when my sister was in town, but had held off from writing about it as my first impression was straight up disappointment. We went without a proper library for a year and a half while the county expanded the library and I guess my expectations were too high.
Multnomah County passed a bond measure a few years back to build new libraries and every one that I've visited has been amazing. Beautiful and functional in the best possible way.
This is the lobby of the Belmont branch library:
It's dark, colorless and oddly empty. That dark windowless corner in the back is where book holds are kept. I asked a librarian if the big open space is kept that way for events or author reading and was told "No." I hope he was wrong.
The second story is certainly better, but I counted the bookshelves and came up with the number "seven." I'm pretty sure the library before the expansion had more bookshelves, and were at least six shelves high. I fully understand that libraries no longer serve the sole purpose of lending out books, but surely it should be one of the bigger priorities.
The children's library, which is located in the attached original library is bright, colorful and thoughtfully designed. I didn't take any pictures as it's creepy to snap photos of stranger's kids and put them on the internet. Here's one from the library website:
The room to the left holds more books.
I'm still processing my feelings and frankly surprised by how disappointed I am. Perhaps the library will grow on me.
Here are blog posts where I full on gushed about our three newest libraries:
4) I stopped by Fred Meyer after my library pilgrimage to grab a half gallon of milk and made sure to peruse the clearance produce shelf. It was decently stocked and I came home with a $1.50 bag of apples.
I ate one Cosmic Crisp apple last night and it was indeed -- delightfully crisp. Well named!
4) My husband bought a pair of Portland Timbers soccer tickets, not remembering that our youngest was going to be out of town. I'm not a huge sports fan, but I still agreed to be his date. It wasn't until we were a couple blocks from the stadium and seeing all the women's clear plastic purses that I remembered that standard bags are usually banned.
I then recalled that a Mariner's employee let me know that purses are allowed if they contain medication. I have asthma, and as such I carry a rescue inhaler with me at all times. I shared this information with the Timbers security person and was quickly granted an exception and had a "approved guest bag" label strapped to my purse.
I will hold off from buying a doomed for the landfill plastic purse as long as possible.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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I would also be disappointed if the library did not contain many books! Our local library in the town next door ( town size 3,000 people) has three good sized rooms of wall to wall books with shelves in the middle with books. Maybe call the main office and express concerns?
Cute table!
I make sure I have some good pockets for “no bags” events. I’ve found that a light jacket with zipped pockets can make a dandy purse!
I notice that a common feature of the remodeled libraries is that they have short bookshelves, and I assume that’s so the librarians have a clean line of sight. That probably keeps the antisocial behavior at a minimum.
I hadn't thought about that, you have raised a good point.
Also, I believe ADA standards for accessible design are for no higher than 48 inches high... many older libraries that still have taller shelving are using upper shelves for displays or leaving them empty.
We attended a volleyball game at my college kid's university last night, and I barely remembered the "clear bag" rule as we were leaving the house. Whew!
Was a fun and frugal outing - students and one guest get in free, so we only had to buy a single $10 ticket, and my student bought us dinner using the "dining dollars" that come with his meal plan. We had a blast and are hoping to make it to some basketball games this year also.
The closing earlier this year of book distributor Baker & Taylor might have affected your library’s expected inventory for opening. (https://www.npr.org/2026/01/07/nx-s1-5668426/libraries-books-distributor-closing)
Katy,
When I worked as a security guard at a college football stadium, we told the ladies they could use a clear, gallon sized Ziplock-type plastic bag instead of a clear purse. It's exactly the right size and you probably already have one (or more!) at home.
Our local branch library is in a rented office building that had its air conditioner stolen. It's landlord white with gray carpet. But the staff is awesome and it's busy all the time.
Today was potluck after church and I made a cheesy corn spoonbread that was a big hit. It's always good to bring home an empty dish, especially if the dish is an easy one that uses stuff one has on hand.
Spent the afternoon shortening three skirts and two dresses. I am only five feet tall so everything is at least four inches too long. Got no idea how much tailoring costs but know that being able to sew has saved me thousands over the past 50-plus years.
Gave both dogs a manicure. Watered the garden very early in the morning so it did not evaporate too fast in the scorching heat. Am reading a free book on Hoopla.
I bet you could ask in your Buy Nothing group for a clear tote … I have several and would gladly give one away.