How do I use my local library?
You’ve been missing out big time (embroidery machines!)
Have you used your local library? I use our library weekly and not in the way you think. Sure, you can walk into the building and browse books, but most libraries offer SO. MUCH. MORE. Here are a few things I use our library for that I can’t believe are free.
Free Kindle Books: You don’t even need to ever set foot in the library to use it. Most libraries allow you to connect their e-book catalogue to your digital reading device. This means, instead of paying for Kindle Unlimited, or buying digital books, I can browse my library catalogue and borrow the books on my Kindle. This is a game changer for travel.
Have Librarians Pull Books for Pick Up: Basically, Instacart pick up for books. If you’re looking to grab some kids books or cookbooks, or books that just are not enjoyable for reading digitally, you can reserve books and have them pulled for you. This is great if you’re overwhelmed by browsing the stacks, or if your library has multiple branches and the book you’re hoping to find is located elsewhere. You simply get an email saying it’s ready, pick it up, and go about your day.
Digital Magazines: Again, access hundreds of magazines digitally. Even ones from other countries! On occasion, I binge browse Danish magazines.
Maker Space: Do you have a project you’ve always wanted to do with a Cricut, or embroidery machine, or 3D printer (or sublimation printer, or, or, or!!!)? Our library has an amazing space where you can use the machines with help if you need it. If you bring your own materials it’s free or very inexpensive (a 3D printer for example charges by grams of product used). I’ve embroidered a velvet Santa Sack, cut out wine stem florals for a tasting event and have about 15 other projects I’d love to do.
Plant Swap, Puzzle Rental, Toddler Story Time/Yoga Class: All libraries will offer different things but these are some fun bonus options in our library system. One branch offers amazing nature craft education projects from Bunny Mellon’s garden foundation. There are Chinese New Year dragon performances. There are Studio Ghibli movie nights. There’s something for everyone if you check out the calendar and just have a poke around.
What should I make?
What’s something fun I can share?
A 1988 playlist made for someone’s cat that’s honestly really good:
Get inspired for a DIY with lace produce bags.
What’s a product I need to know about?
The ordinary brow serum: Deep in a case of “the winter uglies” I was halfway between “Should I get my brows microbladed?” and “Why is my brow pencil the wrong color sometimes?”. What I realized was I should just use a product that increased actual eyebrow hair growth/density. This is so inexpensive and has been so effective I barely use pencil at all. You’re going to need to periodically use this product even after you’re happy with growth for it to continue to be effective. So know that you can’t just do it once and be done forever.
These amazing ceramic fish.
Stainless Reusable Cooler Pack: 10/10 for kid lunches or picnics