While these activities are definitely available my local library, many libraries across the U.S. offer similar opportunities. This is often because libraries pursue similar grants, allowing them to access comparable resources across various library systems. Please check with your local library or ask a librarian. In some instances, your library may not have these resources directly, but they can often borrow them from within their library system—this applies to books as well as many other activities listed below.

1. Go to a book sale. If you want to grow your personal library or just support your local library, most of them fundraise by having book sales. If you’re unsure whether your library has one you can sign up for their newsletter, look on their site, or check out this Book Sale Finder (though it’s not totally comprehensive—my library, for instance, isn’t listed—it’s a good starting point).
2. Check out board games. There are quite a few libraries that do this. Our library system has over 300 games available, which can be checked out for up to two weeks.
3. Participate in a community read. Our system does an annual community read.In April 2025, we will be reading The Flower Sisters.
4. Participate in a charity event. In the winter, we knit and crochet scarves and hats for those in need. This November all the Scenic Regional Library branches are collecting essential hygiene items and gently used purses to benefit Touch of Hope Purse Project. Touch of Hope‘s goal is to provide a purse or reusable bag filled with essentials and love to those women, girls, and anyone who has courageously escaped abuse in search of a better life.
5. Check out a cake pan: Yes, this is a thing at libraries. This is incredibly useful if you want a shape that you don’t normally use or you want to try your hand at decorating but don’t want to invest in all the stuff. ou can also check out standard pans, like Bundt or square pans.

6. Utilize a sewing machine. You can not only learn to sew but also sign up for lab time to work on personal projects. There are some libraries that even allow you to check out the sewing machines.
7. Play some D&D. I have not played Dungeons and Dragons since I was a kid but it’s just as popular as ever. Or at least according to many local libraries that have a D&D Club.
8. Read with a dog. Reading with a dog can help children reduce stress and anxiety around reading, as well as build literacy skills.
9. Check out a microscope. This is an especially fun one for people with young children or who homeschool. You can check out the microscope and there are slides to go with it as well. Our library has a Nikon microscope and 20-25 prepared slides. Additionally, you can check out different sets of 100 slides. Microbiology was one of my favorite subjects in my undergrad studies so when our library got this, it especially spoke to my heart.
10. Take a class and learn something new. Here’s the best part: you don’t even have to leave your house. Many libraries belong to Creativebug so all you need is your library information to log in.

Public libraries offer even more resources, so be sure to check out your library’s website. Signing up for their newsletter provides you with a wealth of information and keeps you updated on new programs.

What fun things can you do at your local library?
Have you taken advantage of any of them?

Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!