How to use your library card to rent household tools and other items for free

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Your library card could be used to borrow a leaf blower, a board game, a deep fryer, or even passes to local museums.

Key points

• Libraries are a great place to go if you like to read, but you may be able to use your library card to borrow more than just books.
• Ask around or check your library’s website to see what you can borrow.
• Borrowing household tools and other items at your local library could help you keep up with your financial goals.

Libraries are a great place to go if you want to learn and absorb new information. You can check books, magazines, movies, music and audiobooks. But you may be surprised that many public library systems offer much more than just books. A library card can be used to borrow a variety of everyday items, helping you keep more money in your bank account by eliminating the need to purchase some items.

What if you could rent a leaf blower or ukulele? It can be possible. Before you make an expensive purchase or buy something you think you’ll only use once or a few times, check with your library to see if you can use your card to borrow it for free.

Every library system is different and the types of products available for loan may vary. Some libraries lend items like video games, power tools, deep fryers, garden equipment, board games, bikes, and craft essentials. But that is not all.

Many libraries allow library card holders to borrow musical instruments. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Brooklyn Public Library, and the St. Louis County Library offer this service.

It can be a challenge to complete everyday tasks without internet access at home in our always connected world. The Phoenix Public Library, the St. Louis Public Library, and the Nashville Public Library are all libraries that allow patrons to borrow Wi-Fi hotspot devices.

Libraries can also help you have fun experiences. These days, many experiences come at a high price. But that may not be the case if you have a library card. You may be able to borrow a pass to the local museum, which makes the visit free. The King County Library, Garden City Public Library, and Oak Park Public Library allow users to check out museum passes.

Don’t ignore your public library

Libraries have books, but they also offer much more. They provide valuable resources to help members of the community. So what could your library do for you? If you have a library card in hand, the possibilities are endless.

You can take care of essential home projects by renting garden equipment and power tools without spending more than you have to at your local home improvement store.

You can try a new hobby before committing to expensive supplies by using your library card to check out the items you need.

You can plan a game night with friends with video games, board games and puzzles, allowing you to have fun without breaking your budget.

Your library may offer more resources than you think. If you’re interested in knowing what non-book items you can borrow, check with your local library for more information. Using your library card to its full potential can help you stay on track with your personal financial goals, reduce excess clutter in your home, and make it easier to try new things.