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You can support a local business and the Wellesley Free Library at the same time. When you click on the Wellesley Booksmith link and make a purchase, the Library receives a commission on each sale!
When you shop here:
You support the Wellesley Free Library! Amazon.com donates a percentage of Every sale originating from this site to the Library.
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The Consumer Resources described below can be found on the Consumer's Table, located next to the Investment Table on the second floor of the library. These resources do not circulate. |
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CONSUMER REPORTS - Since 1942, Consumer Reports has provided consumers with quality product reviews. The Library has a range of Consumer Report products which will help you make informed purchases, including the Consumer Reports Magazine, Electronics Guide, and Money Advisor.
LOCAL GUIDES - A listing of the consumer guides specific to Boston-area services, products, and medical professionals.
OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES - A list of popular websites that provide ratings and reviews for consumer products and electronics.
VEHICLES - The Library has a wide range of resources to help you when buying or selling a vehicle. Buying guides feature vehicle ratings, often in combination with articles to help guide you in the process. Pricing guides establish the sale or trade-in value of a vehicle. |
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Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports Magazine (in print only, online provides limited information to non-subscribers) - A popular monthly consumer magazine, Consumer Reports features ratings for a wide range of products in addition to articles giving purchasing advice.
Best Baby Products - Parents would benefit by consulting this guide, which provides worthwhile advice and reviews of the seemingly endless supply of baby products.
Buying Guides - Rates over 1,550 brand-name products including appliances, vehicles, electronics, and more. The Buying Guide includes articles of points to consider when making your purchase.
Electronics Buying Guide - Rates over 360 brand-name products, with purchasing guides.
Money Advisor - An advice newsletter for all topics related to personal finance. |
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Local Guides
Boston Consumer's Checkbook - Rating services throughout Boston, the Consumer's Checkbook has annual reports focusing on top dentists and auto repair shops.
Guide to Top Doctors - A services of the Consumer's Checkbook, this guide provides a listing of over 600 Boston-area doctors rated by their peers.
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Other Online Resources
Cnet.com - One of the first online-only electronics review services, Cnet.com has an extensive set of reviews (sometimes with video of the product in use) and downloads.
Consumer Guide - Offers freely accessible (if somewhat out-of-date) expert reviews, ratings, and shopping suggestions available for a wide variety of consumer products.
Consumer Search - Compiles reviews from other sites, analyzes their "best of" selections, and makes recommendations based on their analysis.
Macworld - For lovers of all things Mac, this website provides an online complement to the print magazine with reviews, tips, and news.
PC Magazine - The website for the popular all-things computer magazine provides computer, software and electronics ratings in addition to electronics news, free software downloads and demos.
PC World - A competitor of PC Magazine, PC World's website is the compliment to their print magazine and offers similar services with ratings, news, and downloads. One standout is their How-To category, giving advice on how to's and tips on a variety of subjects--from buying a digital camera to what to do when you lose your tech gear. |
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Vehicles
Consumer Reports
- New Car Buying Guide - Rates over 250 vehicles and includes many how-to guides, such as matching your needs with a vehicle, the difference between buying and leasing, and getting the best price.
- Used Car Buying Guide - Rating the past ten year's worth of used cars, this guide is paired with how-to guides specific to buying used cars, such as financing your purchase, avoiding lemons, and proper maintenance of used vehicles.
Car & Driver Buyer's Guide - Provides a short ratings summary of over 400 cars, SUV's, pickups, and vans.
Consumer Guide - The Consumer Guide automotive ratings are notable for their real-world fuel economy ratings, which accompany standard vehicle ratings. The library subscribes to the following print versions:
- Car & Truck Test - Lengthy, page-long ratings of 300 vehicle models, with price listings.
- Auto Yearly - A yearly review of over 300 vehicles, with in-depth ratings.
Edmunds.com - Provides used car pricing, dealer invoice information for new cars, buying guides, and other advice for car owners. Jack Gillis "The Car Book" - Published by the Center for Auto Safety, this car guide includes a safety rating based on crash tests as well as ratings for warranties, maintenance, insurance costs, and consumer complaints.
Black Book CPI (Cars of Particular Interest) - A pricing guide for vehicles, covering 1946-2008 and focusing on exotic & collectible vehicles.
NADA - A thorough pricing guide, considering mileage and vehicle condition to establish value, with an online component. The library subscribes to the following print products below:
- National Edition 1990-2001 Cars & Trucks
- New England Edition 2002-2009 Cars & Trucks
Kelly Blue Book - One of the most popular used car pricing guides is now available freely online. |
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