Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook is a magazine published twice a year (with occasional updates). Like Consumer Reports, it is nonprofit and unbiased and gives you advice on making wise decisions and choosing what's best for your needs. Unlike Consumer Reports, it evaluates local businesses and services rather than products. Their evaluations are based on subscriber surveys and are less sensational and inflammatory that what you will find on free-for-all websites (such as Yelp.com). They provide ratings on such topics as price, timeliness, customer service, etc.

San José Public Library does not subscribe to their website (www.checkbook.org) but we do provide back issues of their magazine at ten library locations. The King Library has five years worth of back issues, but the branches that have it typically keep six months to two years of back issues. Or you can subscribe to their print or online magazine for a fee from home.

Join us for an interactive and informational workshop on factors to consider before  buying a new television. ..and learn some smart consumer skills! This workshop will take place at Tully Library on December 7th at 5pm.

Before you battle the cold weather outside of Best Buy, come to our “Before You Buy” series at the library to find the best television for you!

You’ll learn about how to find articles and other consumer information about televisions and other products you are planning to purchase. Do all of your research before you hit the stores to save time AND money!

This program is on Tuesday, November 30th from 6-7pm @ Edenvale Branch Library. Seats are limited so be sure to get here on time!