Of course, Bay Area libraries attract book lovers who frequent these literary spaces to read and borrow novels, nonfiction, and movie books. But these halls offer rather more. They offer free lending programs and have all the things from Wi-Fi hotspots to vegetable seeds, hammers, and climbing backpacks that locals with library cards can use.
Whether you're searching for equipment for a brand new hobby or pursuit, or to expand an existing one, listed here are some options, from tool libraries to seed collections, outdoor gear, park passes, and more.
Tool rental
If you go to Home Depot to check out home, carpentry or electrical equipment, consider adding this library service to your toolbox.
To reduce the fee barriers related to home improvement projects, tool lending libraries provide the community with free or low-cost access to tools and equipment. Some libraries, just like the Oakland Public Library, also offer workshops on plumbing repair 101 and power tool safety. And others, just like the Irvington Library in Fremont, have “makerspaces” where guests can tinker and construct.
“Libraries with tool rentals capture the public’s imagination and expand the boundaries of what public libraries can do for our communities,” says Jill Tokutomi, chief librarian of the Berkeley Public Library’s southern branch.
Tool lending libraries like Berkeley's, which exhibit mechanical tools, power tools, and cooking utensils, amongst other items, have existed for the reason that late Seventies.
“Even after 45 years, people are still speechless when they learn that they can use their library card to borrow tools – both home improvement and kitchen tools,” Tokutomi said.
Where: Tool collections may be present in many Bay Area libraries, including the Santa Clara Municipal Library, Oakland Public Library, Berkeley Public Library And Alameda County Library Branches.
What is obtainable: Everything from caulking guns and warmth guns to thermal imaging cameras, extension cords, drills, chainsaws, sledgehammers, ladders, baking pans and more.
Seed libraries
Do you will have a green thumb? At libraries in Moraga, Mountain View and beyond, you'll find drawers stuffed with free flower, fruit and vegetable seeds.
With greater than 500 seed lending libraries worldwide, it's a preferred solution to get people enthusiastic about gardening. According to librarians on the San Jose Public Library, which has stations in six branches, local gardens may help combat climate change and preserve genetic diversity.
In addition to distributing seeds, some libraries — resembling those in Clayton and Mountain View — welcome donations of seeds from private or public gardens to assist the gathering proceed to grow. These seeds often thrive higher than store-bought varieties because locally harvested seeds have adapted to the Bay Area's microclimate and soils, in keeping with librarians on the Contra Costa County Librarywhere 16 branches have a seed rental collection.
Where: Check out seeds on the San Jose Public Library, Santa Clara City Library, Oakland Public Library, Hayward Public Library, Menlo Park Public Library, Mountain View Public Library, Palo Alto Public LibraryContra Costa County Library, San Mateo County Public Library and more.
What is obtainable: Seeds for native wildflowers, vegetables, fruits, heirloom varieties and hybrids from California
Library of Things
Browsing a Library of Things collection is like shopping in a colourful mall—except all the things is free.
The term was popularized by a grassroots experiment that began in London in 2014 and was inspired by the concept of tool lending libraries. Over the last decade, such collections have sprung up in places like Palo Alto, Berkeley, and Brentwood.
Rather than household appliances or tools, these libraries are inclined to offer more unexpected items. At the Milpitas Library, which opened its Library of Things in November, cardholders can borrow medical equipment, karaoke equipment, specialty cake pans, telescopes, and sewing machines, amongst other things. For example, Fremont resident Elizabeth Leong borrowed a blood pressure monitor, sous-vide equipment, and a hot pot and grill from the library this spring.
Where: Milpitas Library, Palo Alto Library, Berkeley Public Library and a number of other branches of the Contra Costa County Library
What is obtainable: Sewing machines, Go Pros, Raspberry Pis, ukuleles, children's toys, reading sets, bike locks, bocce sets, Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks and more
Hiking sets and park passes
Several library districts, including San Mateo and Contra Costa County, offer California State Park day passes that allow visitors to park without spending a dime at greater than 200 participating parks — though funding for them is shaky for 2024-25. The Santa Clara County Library offers free passes for automotive entry to twenty-eight regional parks, and locals can borrow the passes for a three-week period.
“We want to make sure that people who like to hike and get out into nature can do that,” said Rachel Hughes, Santa Clara city librarian. “They won't have to worry about the money. It won't be a barrier for them to go out there.”
Like many other Bay Area libraries, Santa Clara City offers climbing backpacks that hold fun and practical items like binoculars, bird and wildflower guides, a compass, magnifying lenses and more. But the fluffy, bear-shaped food storage container is exclusive to this library—and surprisingly popular, in keeping with Hughes.
“You put all your perfumed things in there and then the bears can't open them,” she said. “Sometimes people can't open them either.”
Where: Santa Clara City Library, Santa Clara County Library District, San Jose Public Library, San Mateo County Library, Alameda County Library, Contra County Library and more.
What is obtainable: Binoculars, field guides, climbing poles, magnifying glasses, compasses, backpacks and parking permits for the state and region of California
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