Let’s face it. Leaving your house is expensive now. Actually, with the glory of the internet, it can be just as expensive to stay home. And burlesque is not exactly a job or hobby with a low overhead cost. So it’s no surprise that many of us are trying to cut costs wherever possible.
If you’re on the lookout for resources to make that happen, let me suggest one that may have escaped your brainstorming: Your local library!
A library? You mean the place with all the books? YES! That library.
Reading Rain-boa
While literature is what libraries are known for, they are actually huge pools of local and community resources, and have lots of services you may not be aware of! From technology, creative assistance, workshops, and physical spaces, the library has a lot to offer a local ecdysiast! Here they are in no particular order
Books (& Movies)
Surprise, surprise! Books are on the list. Learning about the history of burlesque is essential to mastering the art form. Check your local library to see if they have any books or movies on the topic! Don’t know where to start? Bella Sin has put together a fantastic Burlesque Book Spreadsheet to get you started. If your library doesn’t have any copies, consider putting in a request for them!
Digital Media Stations
Not everyone has access to fancy editing software on their personal devices. Or our computers are simply too old to handle these programs anymore. Or you may not even have a personal computer. Lots of libraries now have what are called Digital Media Stations. They are specific computer stations that have those expensive softwares on them, like Photoshop , Illistrator, or Pro Tools. So if you need to make a flyer, edit a music mix, or touch up a photo, your library may already have the software licensing you need! A few even have Canva accounts for those of us who are not adobe savvy, or Audacity if Pro Tools is too robust for your audio editing needs. Check to see what your local library has available to you and book your slot at a digital media station!
Designated Workspaces
Sometimes you just need a space to do work, either alone, or with others.
Not-Home office
If you are like me and sometimes struggle to get your brain to focus on burlesque admin work, head to the library and steal their wifi. It might just get your brain into work mode instead of getting distracted by all the things around your house that need to get done. Or it may keep you from getting distracted when you are spending time with people. Burlesque is hard to compartmentalize. Create a designated space if you need it.
Meeting rooms
Struggling to find space for that production meeting? Gathering at a coffee shop getting too expensive or loud? Need a little room to work through some choreography? Libraries have room for that! (Note: Please don’t actually strip in the library. That is most likely frowned upon. I’m not even going to check the rules to see. Be sure you have plenty of layers to make sure you’re not breaking any laws if you are running choreo.) You can book study rooms (small groups) or whole conference rooms (more space or big groups)! Many libraries let you reserve the spaces up to 60 days in advance, but some function only as first come, first serve. Be sure to look into the space reservation process at your local library to see what you can use! Do be aware that many of the reservations need to be approved before use. It is possible that your reservation could be denied so make sure you have enough time to pivot plans if that doesn’t work out.
Art Equipment
The newer, fancier, swanky libraries have what are called Creator Spaces or MakerSpaces. This means they have equipment for creative endeavors that you might not otherwise have access to, like 3D printers, sewing machines, laser cutters, sublimation machines, and more! Some even have recording studio space! This means machines for costuming, prop creation, or even merch! And they often have people who know what they are doing there to help you out.
Printing/Copying
Flyers and set lists are the never-ending bane of any burlesque producer’s existence. So, if you don’t have a printer, or if you are sick of replacing dried up ink cartridges, head to your local library! Printing is often cheaper than Staples or Office Depot, and some libraries even give you a certain number of prints for free!
Music Downloads
Yes, you read that correctly. Some library cards give you access to free music downloads. Freegal has an option where you can get a free account using a library card. (Note: Not all Libraries are eligible for this account. I made mine using a Denver Library ECard which is available to anyone living in Colorado.) Through this account, you get access to 5 free mp3 downloads per week. Now! Their music selection is vast in some genres and… lacking in others. Don’t expect that your music will necessarily be available, but if it chips off a few bucks here and there from purchasing mp3s or ripping bad quality ones from Youtube, it’s a win!
Tax help
I’m going to start this section by saying, PLEASE CONSULT A TAX PROFESSIONAL FOR ANY TAX QUESTIONS. However, if you need a simple crash course for how to file your taxes as a self-employed gig worker, your library may have a workshop scheduled for just that. Check for free workshops in your local area during the first few months of the year.
“I don’t have a Library Card…”
You mean you don’t have a library card… yet! Most library systems now have online portals where you can get a library card without even going in! Colorado has a really cool program called Colorado Libraries Collaborate, where you can get access to online resources through any of the participating library systems, as long as you are a Colorado Resident! Many other states have similar programs as well. I strongly suggest finding a branch near you and going in to ask the staff about what resources they have! Librarians are really cool people who love helping connect their communities with resources. It’s not all shelving books and shushing people.
Even if you don’t plan on using your library card, it’s a great idea to sign up for one anyway. Library systems often get their funding based on usage. The more card holders there are, the more funding they can be allocated, and the more cool stuff we have at our disposal! And with library funding in jeopardy, this amazing community resource needs all the support it can get.
Protect Your Bottom(line)
Going to the library might not solve the problem of endlessly needing to repurchase rhinestones or commission costumes, but it can help us pinch our pennies with tasks that ARE in our control as burlesque performers and producers. Plus, it will do some good for our local community in the process! Find a library near you to take advantage of these resources!
So, when will I see you at the library?
*Disclosure: I definitely wrote this blog while at the library and then printed off flyers before I left.