Library of Things: For the Hobby Lovers

Written By: Nineti F. at East Palo Alto Library

Are you interested in growing your green thumb or becoming a sewing superstar? What about going on a bike adventure or jamming out with a ukulele? San Mateo County Libraries offers free resources to build on your hobbies with our Library of Things! 

Book-A-Bike 

Cruise around the Bay Area in one of our cool bikes. It comes equipped with a helmet, bike lock, cargo basket, first aid kit, headlight, two tail lights and a charger for the lights.  

How to Reserve:

• Must be 18 years or older and live or work in San Mateo County
• Have a valid library card from San Mateo County Libraries or Peninsula Library System
• Complete a waiver prior to borrowing the bicycle
• All bikes are good for a seven-day checkout

We’ve made the Book-A-Bike reservation process easy. Ride on!

Note: All bicycles will need to be returned to the same library they were checked out from. 

Sewing Machines: Grab & Sew 

Do you have home projects that need mending? Look no further, we have sewing machines you can take home to hem and stitch anything! It comes with a power cord and peddle, thread, extra needles, three bobbins, zig-zag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind hem foot, seam ripper, thread caps and screwdriver.  

How to Reserve:

• Must be 18 years or older and live or work in San Mateo County
• Have a valid library card from San Mateo County Libraries or Peninsula Library System
• Complete a waiver before borrowing the sewing machine (available in the booking form)
• All sewing machines are good for a seven-day checkout

Reserve your sewing machine today! 

Ukulele

Looking for your next jam session? Come check out a ukulele from your local library! Each ukulele comes with a sleek bag holder and a handy tuner for the go. 

How to Reserve:

• Must be 13 years or older and live or work in San Mateo County
• Have a valid library card from San Mateo County Libraries or Peninsula Library System
• In Lucks item are good for a three-week checkout, and available first come, first served on our library shelves

Seed Library

Are you looking for something new to plant in your garden? Visit the seed library at your local library to see a collection of all types of flower, fruit and vegetable seeds.

• Take Seeds: All seeds are FREE to all our patrons.
• Plant Seeds: Plant them in your garden and watch them grow. We would love to see what you grew, so feel free to share your progress with us!
• Share Seeds: Donate seeds from your harvest to replenish the seed library and share with your community.

Check out our Library of Things for more awesome interactive items beyond our traditional books and media. We have so much you and the family can explore together, let the adventure begin today!