If you’re trying to spend less or avoid adding more clutter to your life, your local library might offer more than you ever imagined. A Reddit thread recently opened people’s eyes to the fact that libraries today do a lot more than loan books.
Depending on where you live, you might be able to borrow tools, kitchen gadgets, party supplies, camping gear, musical instruments, and more, all for free.
It started with one Reddit user who said they were shocked to learn their library loans out carpet cleaners and pressure washers. They had been spending money at Home Depot to rent them or were close to buying them outright.
“That money from Stake can stay in my emergency fund where it belongs,” the person wrote.
Once the post took off, hundreds of people began chiming in with what their own libraries offer.
Some of the most common items included fishing poles, sewing machines, cake pans, power tools, and even 3D printers. Others mentioned musical instruments, board games, puzzles and digitizing equipment for old VHS tapes and photos.
Libraries Are Offering More Than Ever
Many library systems now have what they call a “Library of Things,” where patrons can borrow physical items the same way they would check out a book. Some libraries allow you to take home a power drill, while others let you borrow a thermal camera, metal detector or even snowshoes and cross-country skis.
One person shared, “Mine has snowshoes, a sewing machine, a serger sewing machine, metal detector, sports equipment and so much more!”
Libraries across the country also provide free access to streaming platforms like Libby, Kanopy and Hoopla, subscriptions to services like Consumer Reports and The New York Times, and even access to Ancestry.com. However, some of these are only available on-site.
Another person wrote, “I try to tell my aunt to go to her local library website. It has FREE subscriptions to paid learning websites like Udemy. You can learn anything. FOR FREE.”
Seed Swaps, Fix-It Fairs and Culture Passes
Libraries have also become community hubs in surprising ways. Many offer free heirloom seeds that are climate-appropriate and donated by local growers.
Several people said their libraries offer seed packs every month, letting you take a few and even bring back harvested seeds to keep the cycle going.
Others talked about Fix-It Fairs, where volunteers repair household items like vacuum cleaners, bikes or even espresso machines. Some libraries lend out blood pressure monitors, pasta makers, baby toys and even framed art to hang on your walls.
One library in Florida was reported to have kayaks you could unlock with a code and use at a nearby lake.
Then there are the free passes to museums, zoos and state or national parks.
Some libraries participate in regional cultural pass programs that give families access to top attractions without paying out of pocket.
Libraries Can Save You Money
If you’re on a budget or just want to try something before you buy it, borrowing makes sense. One person said, “I borrowed a pressure cooker, and it paid for itself in a month.”
Another shared, “We’ve tried out some of the expensive board games before buying them.”
From ukuleles to recording studios, cake pans to digitizing stations, libraries offer a surprising range of useful gear that might otherwise go unused after one or two uses.
They Also Need Your Support
While many people in the thread were amazed by what their libraries offer, others noted that not every system has caught up.
Some smaller libraries may only offer traditional media, but commenters encouraged readers to check out nearby branches or suggest new programs.
Others reminded readers that library funding is often tied to usage stats. As one person put it:
“Using the library helps us, helps the library, and helps the community in a positive feedback loop.”
Whether you’re feeling financial pressure or just trying to be more intentional with your purchases, your library might be one of your city’s most valuable resources.
And best of all, you’ve probably already paid for it through taxes.
If you haven’t looked into your library’s catalog lately, now might be the perfect time to find out what you’re missing.