December 17, 2019

When is the last time you visited your local library? If you're like me it has been a long, long time because I get my books digitally now.

Well I was shocked to find out many libraries have evolved to offer more than just the ability to check out books or look through old newspapers.

In fact, before you buy something that you might only use once, consider contacting your local library to see if it's available there.

Below are some examples of unusual things that some libraries lend out.

Be Well,
Anisa

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1. Tools...

How many times have you needed a tool just once? Well instead of buying it, check with your local public library.

For example the Oakland Public Library in California has its own Tool Lending Library, which officially launched in 2000.

Today, it offers more than 5,000 tools for lending, including a variety of carpentry and woodworking tools, concrete and masonry tools, power tools and gardening tools. Even lawnmowers are available.

It's not just Oakland. There are many libraries around the country that lend out tools. You can see if a library in your area lends tools out by visiting the Local Lending Tool site here.

2. Artwork...

If you enjoy beautiful paintings you may be surprised that your library offers the ability to check out art prints.

For example, the Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan offers prints of famous works of art that you can hang in your home - from Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" to Edvard Munch's "The Scream."

At the Minneapolis Art Lending Library, it's possible to borrow various types of art by contemporary artists - including small sculptures, drawings and pieces by emerging artists.

3. Cake Pans...

Want to bake but don't have the pans, you might be able to get them from the public library.

While you can check out standard cake pans, it's also possible to checkout novelty pans for specialty cakes.

Libraries like the Keokuk Public Library in Iowa and the Public Library of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County in New Mexico offer a wide variety of cake pans - from Christmas trees to dinosaur shapes - that can add a little whimsy to your next baking project.

4. Wi-Fi Hot Spot Devices...

Don't have internet access at home? Looking to connect while on a trip? You might be able to borrow a Wi-Fi hot spot device.

The New York Public Library, for example, lends out hot spot devices for the whole school year to parents of children in the New York City public school system who don't have internet access at home. The idea is to help kids get online to keep on schoolwork.

Other libraries, like the Chicago Public Library, lend out hot spots to more patrons but for a shorter time.

5. Vinyl and VHS Conversion...

Is it time to convert your old VHS and Vinyl records to a digital medium? If so you're local library may have the equipment.

The Frankfort Public Library in Illinois offers two converters that can be used. They have to be used on the premise in 3 hour blocks of time.

If you want to own a machine yourself you can buy one for a big discount and free shipping by visiting here.

6. Specialized Sports Equipment...

Maybe you're thinking of taking up a new sport but you don't know if it is for you. Instead of plunking down money on equipment why not see if it is available at your library.

The Millinocket Memorial Library in Maine lends out both snowshoes and skis. In fact, its Katahdin Gear Library, which was founded in 2018, also lends out kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes and other outdoor gear.

7. Musical instruments...

This actually goes back for a long time. Many libraries have instruments and lend them out. I know this first hand as a kid I "thought" I wanted to play the clarinet.

Instead of renting or buying one, my mom got one from the library. After a couple of weeks I got bored with it and we returned it!

Check with your local library if it offers the ability to check out instruments.

For example, at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City, there are plenty of traditional instruments, from tambourines to banjos and violins.

In Closing...

Your public library can be a fantastic resource for you. Think to check with them before making a purchase that could be a one time or seldom used item.

You can even check online with your library to see what they have available. Who knows maybe you'll find a new hobby!