The tough economy and the ups and downs of Wall Street have most people looking for ways to save money, from groceries to gas to your utility bill.

But you can also save on books and movies by looking no further than your public library.

If you were to buy books at retail cost you could spend between $10 and $50, but at the public library, a library card allows you to check it out for free and librarians say more people are starting to take advantage of that.

Public library numbers are up at all locations in Sioux Falls and the library staff says the tough economy might have something to do with it.

Monique Christensen, Circulation Manager for Siouxland Libraries says, "Some of our staff are starting to see people coming in and saying that they normally buy books and now with the economy they are coming in to use the free services of the library."

That's the case for John Fowler. He comes to the library often, mostly on a search for books on tape.

He says he wouldn't be able to read books as often if it wasn't for the library, they're just too expensive to buy.

John Fowler says, "If you go to anyplace like Last Stop CD Shop, these are like $20 or $30, but when you come here all you do is check it out for free and go."

Staff at the library say others are just beginning to realize what's available to them at no cost, from magazines to movies to even music CDs.

One display is full of books explaining the economy, from how Wall Street works to giving advice on how to manage your money. And librarians say it's been advice many are reading up on, so much that they say they have a hard time keeping it full.  

So whether you are looking for help on investing or your just looking for a good mystery novel read, the shelves at the public library are still a great way to save money.

Siouxland Libraries also have free material downloads available on-line. You can download audio books, E-books and movies. All you need is a valid library card.

If you'd like to see what's available to you, you can click here.