Libraries Offer More Than Books: Unexpected Items You Can Borrow
The Library: Your One-Stop Resource
We often dash to the library for a good read, but this old-school classic serves up more than just books. These community hubs offer a smorgasbord of items and experiences waiting to be discovered. Here are fifteen surprising things you can borrow from your local library.
Seeds Under the Sun
Discover the charm of seed libraries, a trend pioneered by a New York library in 2004. Today, you'll find flower and vegetable seeds at libraries nationwide. Visit the Seed Library Network website to search for your library and contribute seeds from your garden.
Science and Engineering Made Fun
Cultivate curiosity in kids by checking out STEM kits at your local library. These kits will furnish your home with gears, circuits, and models to help even the tiniest scientists understand the mysteries of the world.
When DIY Calls
Find yourself in need of a hammer or some pliers? Some libraries lend tools for those minor home improvement or craft projects. If you're missing an essential tool for a project or don't want to disturb your neighbor with yet another request, look no further than your library.
Stargazing Under the Night Sky
Believe it or not, there are thousands of library locations worldwide that lend out telescopes. So grab a blanket, some popcorn, and venture outside for an enchanting exploration of cosmos and constellations.
Nature Exploration Kits
Delve into your local flora and fauna with nature backpacks, offered by libraries like the Library of Virginia. Backpacks include field guides, a dip net, binoculars, and more. So, gather your kids and set off on a unique nature adventure.
Casting a Line
For the fishing enthusiasts, check out a fishing pole and tackle box from the St. Louis County Public Library. Enjoy the tranquility of angling in the great outdoors, all without investing in equipment.
Dolled Up
Reading about American Girl dolls sparked your child's interest? The Arlington, Virginia Public Library will lend you a doll along with a guide about its historical era. Rent a doll for a week to determine if purchasing one is worthwhile.
Sewing Your Dreams
Thanks to libraries and maker spaces, you can finally take up that sewing project you've been thinking about. Some libraries provide sewing machines for use on-site, while others offer them for checkout.
Crafty Memories
Some libraries loan art supplies. But the Paul Sawyier Public Library in Kentucky takes it to the next level with tiny art kits. Craft a 3x3 painting, display it at the Tiny Art Show, and admire your creativity.
Musical Mayhem
Take center stage with music and instruments from your local library. Many library catalogs include recordings and sheet music, while some even let you take an instrument home to play.
Game Night
Libraries have an extensive collection of board games, video games, and puzzles for your leisure. Enjoy a game night with family and friends or participate in a library-hosted puzzle exchange.
Cultural Exploration
Many libraries offer free admission to museums, zoos, and other cultural destinations. For instance, the Nashville Public Library lends passes to the Country Music Hall of Fame, enabling North and South to unite in the name of good tunes.
Art on the Walls
Nashville's library boasts an innovative Art Lending Library, which loans out local art to patrons. Support the local art scene and add a splash of color to your walls with their vibrant collection.
Sweet Celebrations
From fairy tale cakes to birthday extravaganzas, the New Orleans Public Library has a collection of cake pans to help you throw unforgettable parties.
Memory Reminiscence
The Baltimore Public Library loans out collections of memorabilia intended for reminiscence therapy. These kits encourage memory sharing among older adults and help preserve history.
- Southern Living Magazine might feature stories about various activities and entertainment that libraries provide, such as seed libraries, DIY tool lending, and telescope rentals.
- Libraries offer more than just books for culture and lifestyle enthusiasts – they also have STEM kits for children, nature exploration packs, and art supplies for creative ventures.
- If you're interested in gardening or homemaking, your local library likely offers seed libraries where you can borrow flower and vegetable seeds.
- Libraries have become an innovative source for personal growth, providing resources like innovative STEM kits, DIY tools, and even art kits for crafting memories.
- When planning a family nature adventure, don't forget to check out the Library of Virginia's nature backpacks, which include field guides, binoculars, and dip nets.
- Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy fishing poles and tackle boxes lent by libraries like the St. Louis County Public Library, saving on equipment costs.
- Looking to rekindle your child's interest in American Girl dolls? Take advantage of the Arlington, Virginia Public Library's doll lending program.
- At maker spaces within libraries, sewing machines are available for personal sewing projects or for checking out.
- Some libraries even offer an extensive collection of games, videos, and puzzles for relaxation and enjoyment, including board games and video games.
- Libraries can facilitate cultural exploration beyond books, granting free admission to museums, zoos, and other cultural destinations like Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame. In some cases, libraries like Nashville's also lend out local art to patrons.
