The smell of an oily rag

No prizes for guessing what today's blog is about. There are tough times out there in Aotearoa (and around the world) and much belt tightening happening. So I went on an exploration in the library to see if we could help. And I found lots of things that you might find useful.

Living off the smell of an oily rag in New Zealand (and similar international titles) are, non surprisingly, all out. But if you don't want to wait for the book, there is a New Zealand website you can check out (and join if you have your own tips to share). Go to http://www.oilyrag.co.nz/.

There are plenty of other books to help you with cost-saving, self-sufficiency and job hunting in today's market. Here's a few more ideas:

The New Hard Times Handbook (Keith & Irene Smith) - a practical guide to help you do more with less

The Self Sufficiency Handbook (Alan & Gill Bridgewater) - grow your own food, chicken, goats and pigs and check out some eco friendly energy alternatives

Get Ahead (joan Baker & Annette Sampson) - get financially sorted by 30 the New Zealand Way or do a subject search for budgets or saving and investment.

Best Answers to the 201 most frequently asked interview questions (Matthew & Nanette DeLuca) or do a subject search for employment interviewing (or even just employment)

Brilliant tactics to pass aptitude tests (Susan Hodgson) - psychometric, numeracy, verbal reasoning and more

And if you are looking for some free entertainment, why not just pop into one of the Rodney Libraries and take home a book. There's nothing better.