Frugal Family: Powder Springs Library Debuts Free Summer Programs

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us make our dollars as valuable as possible.

Here are some that will hopefully stretch your dollars to the max:

1. Free Library Programs in Powder Springs

Deal: Many free program specials will be offered for all age groups this summer at the . Among them are:

Middle School - June 6 through July 25, Mondays at 4 p.m. with a different activity each week such as board and Wii games, scavenger hunts and North American Jeopardy.

Teens - June 10 and 24 and July 8 and 22, Fridays at 4 p.m. with varied activites, including Wii games and European Jeopardy.

Tweens and Teens Movie Making (pre-registration required) - July 22 at 4 p.m. to learn how to use Windows Movie Maker to make a minute-long video of your own pictures.

Tuesday Specials - May 31 through July 26, 11 a.m. for children in grades K-6.

Games and Movies Galore! - May 31 through July 26, Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., also for children in grades K-6.

Baby Storytime - June 1 through July 27, Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for toddlers and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. for preschoolers.

Art Around the World - June 2 through July 28, Thursdays at 4 p.m. for children in grades 3-5.

Adult and Teen Foreign Film Fest (must be at least 13 to attend) - June 4 and 18 and July 2, 16 and 30 at 3 p.m.

Reading PAWS - Children may read to Drew, a trained greyhound, by appointment only with a signed parental permission slip.

Family Story Times - June 30 and July 28, both at 5 p.m. for the whole family.

Location: 4181 Atlanta St., Powder Springs. 

Contact: 770-439-3600.

2. Free Bible Study and Activities

Deal: Vacation Bible School begins Monday at Faith Community Church in Douglas County. This free event is open to adults and children. 

Hours: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Location: 305 North Burnt Hickory Road near U.S. 278 and Lithia Springs.

Contacts: www.fccdouglasville.org or Crystal Collins at 770-296-4805. 

3. Free Fishing for Children, Seniors, Special Populations 

Deal: A free Fishing Derby will be held at Douglas County's Deer Lick Park on Saturday. This event is free to children ages 2 through 16, seniors age 50 and over and special populations.

Free T-shirts will be given to the first 300 who register. There also will be door prizes and awards. This program is sponsored by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners through its Parks and Recreation Department and the Tri-County Bass Club.

Hours: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday.

Location: 2105 Mack Road off Ga. 92 south of I-20.

Contact:  770-920-7129. 

4. Free Art Exhibit Debut

Deal: The Douglas County Cultural Arts Center will host a free artists' reception on Thursday for the debut of its Japanese Ukiyo-E Prints Exhibit. This exhibit will be on view through June 24. 

Hours: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday. 

Location: 8652 Campbellton St. across from Douglas County High School, Douglasville.

Contacts: 770-949-2787 or www.artsdouglas.org. 

5. Kohl's New Wednesday Special for Seniors

Deal: Kohl's Department Storehas just started offering an extra 15 percent off on everything every Wednesday - but only for those who are "age 55 or better." No shopping pass is needed, and there are no brand exclusions. This offer is good on all sale-, regular and clearance-priced merchandise. The discount will be taken off the total transaction, excluding sales tax.

However, this special discount is "not valid in conjunction with any extra percent-off discounts, including Kohl's Charge offers." Also, this offer cannot be used "for price adjustments on prior purchases, the purchase of Gift Cards or payment on a Kohl's Charge account" or to buy Kohl's Cares cause merchandise or other charitable items.

Good through: ongoing.

Hours: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Mondays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Location: 1825 East West Connector, SW, Austell.

Contact: 770-941-3032.