Librarians (And Library Stans) Are Sharing The Coolest Things Their Local Branches Have To Offer, And I'm Running To Mine As We Speak
If you're anything like me, you're a library diehard.
Books? We got 'em. Public computers, Wi-Fi, and printers? We're using 'em. Fishing gear? Def — wait, what?
That's right! (I was shocked, too.) Local libraries have about a zillion things to offer, and it doesn't stop at books.
Over on r/Libraries, u/grizzlyblake91 posed the question: "What’s the coolest/neatest thing you can use or check out at your local library?"
They started the conversation with their own answer: "At mine (OKC Metro Library), they have 3D printers (submit your print request and they print it for free, with some stipulations). They also have button makers, sewing machines, leather working tools, a Cricut cutter, and more. At the local library where my parents live (Manatee Public Library in Florida), they have video cameras and podcast equipment, which is really cool (I wish I had that at my library)."
Ummm, so cool. Here's what other redditors had to share:
1."Telescope. I checked it out when my 7-year-old cousin came to visit."
2."I thought the fishing poles available to check out were pretty cool."
And if your library doesn't have them: "Check out TackleShare. The same group that sponsors the fishing rods in libraries also has them in other places like provincial parks and conservation areas. You still need a fishing license except on free fishing days when I’m sure they are super popular."
3."We (university library) have a makers space, studio, crossword puzzles and board games, and DVDs to check out."
4."My library has a 3D printer and a Glowforge that you can use in the library."
BTW, this is a Glowforge: an at-home (or at-library) 3D laser printer and cutter.
5."Library passes for our town's local and NYC museums (NJ library). Knife sharpener, video to digital converter, upholstery cleaner, drill set, plus more."
6."A recording room! Includes three different camera angles, a control board, lighting, microphones, and a few different backgrounds."
"You have to watch some training videos first, then you can reserve the room."
7."We also have a seed library where you can take seeds to plant for free, and people can donate seeds they are not using."
8."I was recently at a library in Montana that lent out cake pans of different shapes!"
9."I don’t have Wi-Fi at my house, so I’m always borrowing one of the mobile hotspots they have. That is definitely the most useful."
10."Chromebook, laptop, and hotspot bundles. Also, memory kits for seniors."
11."Passes to the Georgia state parks, Zoo Atlanta, Alliance Theatre, museums, and other cool places around the state."
"Patrons can only use the pass once per year per household. That way, everyone gets a fair shot at getting a pass rather than a few people hogging them all year."
12."Our library has a secondary branch, which is a toy library. You do have to pay a membership fee, but you can really get your money's worth. 1,900 toys, games, puzzles, costumes, and ride-ons."
13."Metal detector! Also, VHS to DVD converter."
14."Yarn baller! We have a large library of things, but that is one of the most popular. We used to have inflatable kayaks, but the liability insurance became too much. We also have rental bikes spring through fall."
15."Spinning wheels and carding machines, or everything you need to DJ an event. I thought that it was really cool that my local library had them to check out when we first moved here."
16."One thing I LOVE about my job is when I issue a new card and get to tell the patron you now have access to check out binoculars, portable projectors, musical instruments, jigsaw puzzles, pickleball racquets, disc golf kits, blood pressure monitors, oral history kits, and more. Plus, we have a $5 free computer printing credit every month. Especially when it is someone who hasn't been to the library in a loooong time, their astonishment at the free resources is always a high point of my day."
17."I checked out a karaoke machine today for a party this weekend."
18."Fitness equipment."
19."One of mine has a Library of Things. Just stuff that you might need once in a while but not every day."
20."One-off tools are great. My town library has a pole digger and a bulb planter that I’ve borrowed. I had to fix a fence post, and I planted about 700 bulbs when I moved in. Granted, the bulb planter isn’t a lot of money, but it was great to be able to use it and then pass it on to the next person (so to speak)."
"I’m considering some other projects that would require a random tool. I think I’ll reach out to the library to see if it’s something they would want to add to their collection when I’m done with it (donated, of course)."
21."Mine has all sorts of things! Tools, sewing machines, air fryers, candy molds, camping equipment, the list goes on. It's a fantastic resource, especially if you don't use those things often and don't want to spend a lot of money for the one time you need them or want to try something before investing in it."
22."We started having yard games people can borrow. So far it seems to be working out. Got a party? Come check out cornhole or lawn darts. 🎯"
23."We have little adventurer backpacks that come with binoculars, rulers, and nature journals they can write in and keep; it's pretty cute. At my mom's library system, they have American Girl Dolls."
24."Puppets."
25."Not trying to be a smart aleck, but BOOKS. All that other stuff is cool, but books are another person's thoughts. That's unbelievable magic. Books can change your brain, change your life, and maybe even save your life. The whole reason people love libraries in the first place, even if they're not readers themselves, has to do with the mystique of books and the curation of knowledge."
"The curation of knowledge goes beyond books. I recently did a STEM class with some fifth graders, and one kid exclaimed, 'Look! I’m using a screwdriver! I’ve never used tools before!' I’ll be riding that high for a long time."
If you're in the US, you can find your local library (and all the amazing, FREE things it has to offer) at usa.gov. What's your favorite non-book item to check out? Let us know in the comments. Happy lending!
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
