Free Pass to Phoenix Museums and Zoo

A new program begins on April 1 at the Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe libraries. Patrons will be able to check out a free Culture Pass at the circulation desk. The patron will then be given a voucher good for admission for up to four people which will be good for seven days for the museum of their choice. At the end of seven days, the voucher will expire and another patron can check out that pass. There are a limited number of passes available at each library.

The museums that are participating are: Arizona Museum for Youth, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Arizona Science Center, Bead Museum, Cave Creek Museum, Children's Museum of Phoenix, Desert Botanical Garden (starting June 1), Heard Museum, Mesa Contemporary Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Zoo, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Taliesin West.

More Information regarding The Culture Pass

Fix a Leak Week

Did you know that this is Fix a Leak Week? The EPA launched its program with a demonstration in Phoenix. They set up two demonstration toilets, 2 facuets, and a shower head in a Phoenix residents driveway to demonstrate how much water can be wasted from leaks.

Fix a Leak Week in Phoenix

The EPA's Watersense site has lots of information on how to save water including information to consider if you are purchasing new toilets, faucets, or showerheads.

Credit Card Bills - Need Help?

The major credit card companies have gotten together to provide help to people having trouble paying their credit card bills. VISA, MasterCard and Discover are all participating. They have launced a new site - HelpWithMyCredit.org and a toll-free number - 866-941-1030.

They recommend that you first talk with a representative of your credit card company to see if you can negotiate lower fees or modify your payment plan. They can also refer you to a consumer credit counseling service.

Arizona Republic article - Credit-card Companies Offer Help

Huge Used Book Sale

The 53rd Annual VNSA Used Book Sale is scheduled for February 14 and 15. This is one of the largest used book sales in the country. It is held at the Arizona State Fairground Exhibit Building located at 1826 W McDowell Rd in Phoenix. They accept donations of books prior to the sale.

For more information about the sale or for information regarding book donation - vnsabooksale.org.

VNSA = Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association

Metro Max Card - Discounts

If you will be traveling, shopping, dining, or visiting entertainment venues along the light rail path, you may want to print out a free Metro Max Card. It offers discounts at many locations along the route. You don't have to take the light rail to get the discounts.

To print your card and obtain a listing of offered discounts - Metro Max Card

Remember the grand opening of the light rail in Dec. 27 and you can ride free through Dec. 31. Click here for Metro Light-rail Grand Opening Information.

Savings on Holiday Lights

One of the great things about living in Arizona, is that you don't have to battle bad weather if you want to put up holiday lights on your home. If you need to purchase new lights here are some ways to save money:

SRP - Save Up to $5 on Holiday LED Light Sets (LED lights use up to 98% less electricity than the conventional incandescent strands - from SRP Contact newsletter).

Michael's - Weekly Ad & Joann's - Weekly Ad These two stores frequently have lights on sale and often have a coupon in their newspaper ad.

Other places to check ads are home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot, plus Target, and Costco.

A Bargain on Electronics?

Circuit City has announced that it is closing all of its Phoenix area stores. Liquidation sales started on 11/5. Usually with these types of sales markdowns start out modest and work there way up as time passes. It is usually a how long can you wait situation. Do you buy the item you want now or do you wait to see if you can get a lower price and risk someone else buying it before you do? Some additional information is available below.

Circuit City Breaking News - includes press release and locations of stores that will be closing

AZ Republic Article - Circuit City to Begin Liquidation