Read all about it: Save money by buying local in September

Monroe - The economy is on everybody’s mind these days, and the Monroe Free Library is doing its part to help both consumers and local business owners. In September, anyone who shows a library card at a participating business gets something special in return. The library is sponsoring a sales promotion called the Real Card. In September, anyone who shows a library card at a participating business will get something special in return. “The way the Real Card works is that patrons save money when they shop at these local businesses,” said Library Director Marilyn McIntosh. “The vendors don’t pay to be included. If, for example, a family uses their Real Card savings to buy an extra pizza this month, it’s a win-win scenario.” McIntosh said that September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month, which provided the inspiration for the program. Her intent is to make people aware of their library cards, and of the money-saving role the library plays for so many Monroe residents. Forty-two area businesses are participating in the sales promotion. Library patrons who present their library cards are eligible for specials and discounts at restaurants, delis, dry cleaners and more. Even tax preparation, cell phone accessories and movie snacks can be had at a discount. Participating businesses have yellow placards in their front windows proclaiming, “Use Your Real Card Here!” A list of partners and the discounts they’re offering is available at the library’s circulation desk, in the center spread of its newsletter By The Millpond, and on its Web site (www.monroefreelibrary.org). Most retail stores and restaurants are offering either a flat percentage (Amendola’s Pizza gives 20 percent off any order) or a special (V & J Deli gives a free loaf of Italian bread with any purchase of more than $5). Businesses that offer services are typically offering discounted rates (Monroe Taxi will discount any ride by a dollar when the card is shown). The library is offering bright yellow “Real Cards” to all new patrons, but any library card (including the “white” cards and “gray” cards distributed in the past) from any RCLS member library qualifies its holder to save money. Real card discounts don’t apply to items that are already discounted. The library does ask that patrons show their library card when they’re placing their order. Participating businesses Amendola’s Pizza & Pasta 28 Lake Street 782-4432 20 percent off any purchase Anne’s Sub-17 581 Route 17M 782-4034 10 percent off any lunch or dinner order Avon 38 Lake Street 837 1527 15 percent off in-store purchases By George II 58 Millpond Parkway 783-9767 Monday hair cuts: $10 off women’s; $3 off men’s CE Computing Solutions 581 Route 17M 782-4959 $10 off labor on one computer Cherfoto Images 28 Grove Street, Harriman 783-6535 $25 off of any portrait session Curves 360 Route 17M 774-7991 30 days for $30 with no commitment Final Touch Cleaners 371 Route 17M 782-2224 10 percent off any order Flowers by David Anthony 64 Millpond Parkway 782-7673 10 percent off (cash and carry only) Freeman’s Auto Service 330 Stage Road 774-7770 $5 off oil change Giovanni’s Bakery 20 Lake Street 783-9466 15 percent off any order GNC 400 Route 17M 783-0660 10 percent off any order High Quality Cleaners 785 Route 17M (ShopRite Plaza) 783-2003 10 percent off dry cleaning Jie Shen Chinese Acupuncture Clinic 1 Freeland Street 248-2974 50 percent off first-time visit or 5 percent off a return visit KG Wine & Liquor 88-3 Route 17M 783-4486 10 percent off any single wine purchase over $10 Lucky House 785 Route 17M (ShopRite Plaza) 783-0268 5 percent off any order Mac & Maya 34 Lake Street (845) 783-5143 20 percent off all items Michelle Sale Tutoring 234-2158 $15 off of any one-hour session Mill Pond Cleaners 46 Millpond Parkway 783-9242 10 percent off dry cleaning Monroe 6 Cinemas 34 Millpond Parkway 782-2339 $1 off large soda, Slushee or large popcorn OR $2 off the Hot Date Combo Monroe Florist 14 Talmadge Court 782-8528 10 percent off (cash and carry only) Monroe Glass 63 North Main Street, Harriman\ 782-0808 $1 off any screen repair Monroe Jewelers 30-32 Lake Street 783-2361 Free jewelry cleaner with any purchase (while supplies last) Monroe Printing & Photography 36 Lakes Street 774-2380 10 percent off of any order Monroe Shoe Repair 12 Lake Stage Road 783-6325 $2 off men’s soles and heels (together); $1 off ladies’ lifts (any size) Monroe Taxi 70 Millpond Parkway 782-8141 Any ride discounted $1 Mountain View Deli 215 Larkin Drive, Suite 103 782-4110 Free small coffee with breakfast sandwich or free 12 oz. soda with panini / wrap sandwich Party Shack 520 Route 17M 238-5690 10 percent off any purchase (excluding balloons) Patriot Wine & Spirits 785 Route 17M (ShopRite Plaza) 783-6620 $2 off purchase of $25 of wine (1.5 l or 750ml) or $5 off $50 (w/ same terms) (excluding sale items and already discounted case) Plaza Auto Driving School 562 Route 17M 783-4822 10 percent off on all lesson packages. Pride Of The Hudson Monroe Complimentary non-alcoholic beverage with each ticket Sai Gon 46 Millpond Parkway 782-6868 Free appetizer with any 2 main courses (excluding BBQ platter) (dine-in only) Smokey D’s Barbecue 3 Lakes Street 595-1290 Free cup of soup with any dinner, platter or combo Sonny’s Restorante 215 Larkin Drive 782-2294 10 percent off purchase of 2 large pies + 12 garlic knots Speedy Auto Center 194 Route 17M, Harriman 783-0690 Sprint Nextel 56 Millpond Parkway 774-7058 $50 off with new activation Still Pond Massage Therapy 677 State Route 17M 783-0343 15 percent off of any service Taste of India 88 Route 17M 774-8886 Free soft drink with purchase of entree or buffet The Book Garden 40 Millpond Parkway 783-4411 One free item (per customer per day) Tin Tin 68 Millpond Parkway 783-0118 Two 12 oz. sodas free with $25 purchase Tobey Chiropractic Wellness, PC 18 Lake Street 782-5770 Free computerized spinal screening V & J Deli 22 Lakes Road 783-7675 Free loaf of Italian bread with any purchase over $5 Window Wear by Gina LLC 928-7146 Free installation on any shade / vertical purchase