Look Beyond Books at Your Local Library

Have you visited your local library lately? I know, I know – you’re beyond bogged down in e-books. Your bookshelf is groaning under the weight of paperbacks crammed into every possible nook and cranny. Why in the world would you go to the library when you’ve already got so much to read? After all, it’s just a big building full of books.

Or is it?

Libraries have come a long way from the days of card catalogs and those stern-looking Guardians of the Tomes with their Dewey Decimals and aggressive “Ssh!”-ing. So while you will still find ruthlessly well-organized research materials, that new bestseller, and a relaxing atmosphere where you can cozy up with a good read, that’s far from all you’ll find at the library these days.

 For example, did you know that the library can help you start a garden? Many of them now have Seed Libraries – a place where patrons can go to acquire seedlings for their yards. It’s usually done on a take some, leave some basis, but if you’re new, grab a packet and a book on gardening (that’s section 635 in the nonfiction area), and get going! The library can help you learn best practices, and what plants will grow well in your area, at what times. In our area, the Garden Club also often runs events and annual plant sales. Take a look at the workshops and events your library offers. You might find yourself surprised by some of the options!

Daisies on the book, Chamomile, by Inga Shcheglova

Don’t feel like getting outdoors and digging in the soil? Maybe you’d feel more comfortable in a Makerspace instead. According to Makerspaces.com, a makerspace is “a collaborative work space inside a school, library, or separate public/private acility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.” 

So what does this mean? In some libraries, it may just be a room for programs, like arts and crafts workshops. But nowadays, many libraries have dedicated spaces that can include sophisticated tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons, sewing machines, or even digital die-cutting machines such as Cricut, used for crafting in paper, vinyl, wood, or fabric. Others have digital creation tools, like computers with Adobe Creative Suite installed. Check out these videos of the Makerspaces in Grand Island, Nebraska and Patchogue-Medford, New York, for examples of some of the amazing things you can do.

While not everywhere has such a robust array of features, libraries are always looking for new and innovative ways to serve patrons. If your library doesn’t have a makerspace yet, ask for one!

In addition, you can check out your library’s Resources or Databases page. Many have subscriptions to services like Creativebug or Craftsy, which offer tutorials for various types of crafts, databases for learning new languages or studying periods of history, and more. Libraries also offer programs and classes on a variety of subjects. And of course, you can take out books, so you can keep learning even after the program has ended!

Flyer for a Local Lend and Learn Program, Photo by Erica Converso

Your library will let you borrow more than just books, though. While it’s common knowledge now that you can borrow CDs, DVDs, Blurays, and video games from most libraries, I’ll bet you didn’t know how many other things you might be able to take out.

For instance, you can borrow museum passes. Want to take your kids to the science museum, the aquarium, or the zoo? Go to the library to get free or reduced price tickets. Is one of your devices out of commission? See if your library has computers, wi-fi hot spots, or other electronics to borrow. You can even borrow toys and dolls from the library. Take a look at this article to read about the American Girl dolls donated to Yonkers Public Library. Many libraries are pairing books with appropriate dolls and toys to help encourage children to read and grow.

American Girl Dolls Reading Doll-Sized Copies of the Five Stones Pentalogy, Photo by Erica Converso

This is only a sampling of the many options your library offers as a vital part of your community. And they are always looking for more ways to help. If something on this list appeals to you and isn’t at your library, ask a librarian about it. Many of these amazing features wouldn’t exist without the requests and curiosity of patrons who wanted to help their libraries adapt and flourish. So go out there and explore your library. You never know what you might find!

If you want to learn even more, check out my post at the Writers Helping Writers blog. And then go read all of their other fantastic content for readers, writers, and book-lovers - you’ll be glad you did!