Sew Exciting! Sewing Machines Now Available for Checkout!


San Mateo County Libraries are excited to introduce a new part of our collection to help you stitch the day away. Hem some pants, make colorful reusable bags, or sew up the perfect costume! Our collection of Baby Lock Joy sewing machines, opens a new window come in rolling bags with all the tools you need to get started, including thread! Just grab your favorite fabric or upcycled material and start creating.

How To Get Started With Grab and Sew

How do you get stitching? We’re glad you asked! We’ve made the Grab and Sew process easy.

Before borrowing a machine, make sure you:

  • Are 18 or older and live or work in San Mateo County.
  • Have a valid library card beginning with 29041 or 29045.

Then, visit any San Mateo County Libraries location to complete a waiver and borrow an available sewing machine on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more about Grab and Sew procedures, check out our FAQs, opens a new window.

Get Inspired With CreativeBug

Looking for project ideas? Access CreativeBug, one of our free online resources for cardholders that provides instructional videos, free patterns, and more! CreativeBug's helpful videos include tutorials and multi-part classes for beginners to seasoned crafters alike. Check out some of these sewing projects to inspire you! Log in with your "29041" library card first, then create an account to access. If you already have an account, just log in with the account you created.

Share what you're sew excited to stitch up in the comments below!