From pressure washers to a studio where you can create your own podcast, the Chattanooga Public Library offers citizens access to far more than books.
Items such as hand tools and seeds have been available for checkout at the library for years, but they have been especially popular during the pandemic as people looked to fill their time by taking up gardening or tackling home improvement projects. Here are a few of the unexpected items you can find at the library.
Garden supplies
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / The library's seed bank became especially popular during the pandemic.Along with tools such as shovels and trowels, the library also offers a selection of seeds on its first floor through its seed exchange program. The program has been around for three years, but it really took off during the pandemic. When the library was open only for curbside pickup, it offered several weekly options from its seed exchange that patrons could choose from when picking up their books.
"It was so easy because we offered it curbside, so a lot of people discovered it for the first time ever," public relations coordinator Christina Sacco says, adding, "Urban gardening has really taken off over the past few years."
With the library now reopen, people can browse the full selection of seeds, most of which come from the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and check out up to three packets at a time. While you're obviously not expected to return the seeds, you are encouraged to harvest seeds from your garden to offer in exchange. Don't know how? The library has books to show you.
"We just don't have the soil," Sacco jokes.
Sewing machines
During the pandemic, the library made some of the sewing machines that were previously available for use on the library's fourth floor available for checkout. Each of the machines comes in a bag filled with all of the basic things one might need, like fabric cutters, measuring tape, fabric markers and a pedal to work the machine.
"I love stuff like this because I feel it really fosters a sense of self-reliance and that sort of attitude where you're not limited by money," Sacco says.
If you're not an experienced sewer, you can book a time to have a library "maker specialist" teach you using the equipment on the fourth floor, she adds.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Patrons are asked to replenish seeds by harvesting some from their gardens.Power tools
Popular tools available for checkout include a jigsaw, Dremel, circular saw and sanders. (Check the library website for a full list.) The most in-demand item of all is the pressure washer, Sacco says. One broke from all the heavy use it got this past spring, but the library typically has two available on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons are allowed to keep the tools for seven days before returning them.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / The library offers a variety of tools that patrons can check out.Musical instruments
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / The library's newest program allows those ages 10-18 to check out musical instruments.There are several resources for local musicians. Patrons can reserve time at the library's professional recording studio, or make use of the library's newest program: a selection of all types of musical instruments - enough for eight full bands - that teens and tweens ages 10-18 can check out (not adults). Most were donated or purchased by local bands, says Sacco.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / The library's professional recording studio is available to local musicians and podcasters.Kids may check instruments out for two weeks, with the option to renew once, so they may keep them for a month without bringing them back. Sacco says the library plans to eventually offer instructional programs, but currently recommends instructional videos for the kids to learn to play the instruments.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / The library has enough instruments for eight full bands.Passes to local attractions
Every branch of the Chattanooga Public Library has two passes to the Chattanooga Zoo that are good for the whole family, in case you have yet to visit its newest residents such as the giraffes or the new baby blue duiker.
Miscellaneous, occasionally useful items
Preparing for a job interview but lack the funds for a professional outfit? Check out a dress or a blazer from the library's "interview closet."
Need a digital projector for a meeting, or a VCR to watch an old home movie? The library has you covered.
"The cool thing is, just like our books, everything we have is based on what the community wants," Sacco says. "So if you're in the library you can grab a comment card, or you can go on our website and there's a 'request it' button, and just tell us what you want."
For example, several people recently requested a metal detector. So check back with the library soon if you have treasure you'd like to hunt.
Another tip: Call the library to see if the item you're looking for is checked out to save yourself a trip, as there's high demand for some items.