In an era when printed books aren’t always enough to lure readers, many public libraries are, well, branching out. Most will allow you to check out e-books online. But if you stop by in person, you may go home with more than a summer beach read.
Eclectic Loaners
From musical instruments to sports gear to screwdrivers and gardening tools, many libraries offer rental gear for hobbies and household projects. Some even venture into the wild to offer kayaks, canoes and camping equipment. Having a party? You may be able to borrow a cotton-candy maker or karaoke machine to make it special.
Sponsored Content
Classes
Whether you’re looking to brush up on basic computer skills, learn to code, try yoga or improve your diet, you’ll likely find classes or workshops at a nearby library. Recently, more than 1,000 libraries throughout the country offered personal finance programs as part of Money Smart Week. And libraries are even offering free or low-cost workspace to business start-ups.
Sponsored Content
3-D printers
Hundreds of libraries across the country will let you give 3-D printing a try. You may be required to take a class before using the machine and pay a few dollars for materials.
Sponsored Content
-
What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?Tax Breaks A QCD can lower your tax bill while meeting your charitable giving goals in retirement. Here’s how.
-
Embracing Generative AI for Financial SuccessGenerative AI has the potential to reshape how we approach learning about and managing our personal finances.
-
The Best Places to Retire in New Englandplaces to live Thinking about a move to New England for retirement? Here are the best places to land for quality of life, affordability and other criteria.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
13 Smart Estate Planning Movesretirement Follow this estate planning checklist for you (and your heirs) to hold on to more of your hard-earned money.
-
The 10 Cheapest Countries to VisitWe find the 10 cheapest countries to visit around the world. Forget inflation woes, and set your sights on your next vacation.
-
15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winterhome There are many ways to prepare your home for winter, which will help keep you safe and warm and save on housing and utility costs.
-
Six Steps to Get Lower Car Insurance Ratesinsurance Shopping around for auto insurance may not be your idea of fun, but comparing prices for a new policy every few years — or even more often — can pay off big.
-
How to Increase Credit Scores — FastHow to increase credit scores quickly, starting with paying down your credit card debt.
-
Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should KnowBecoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
