ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Public Library (RPL) has much more than books to borrow. Your neighborhood library branch has some pretty unique items to check out for free.
Do you want to learn how to play the ukulele? Yes, you can borrow one from the Rochester Public Library. Do you have a costume to make or hem to mend? RPL's got you covered, because you can check out a sewing machine. All you need is a Monroe County Library Card.
Adam Traub, the associate director of the Monroe County Library System, says libraries now have items that most people would never expect.
“That’s right, the libraries are here for the education, entertainment and enlightenment for the whole community,” Traub said. “And it doesn’t always take the form of books. Our job is to figure out the best way to keep serving the community.”
RPL has hundreds of music CDs, audio books and DVDs. There is also framed art available to check out.
Kids can discover all kinds of crafts and borrow a variety of different science kits. Families looking to save a few bucks can borrow a VIP pass for discounts to popular attractions. You can even check out the Empire Pass that provides unlimited vehicle entry into New York state parks.
The list of free items to borrow goes on and on from fishing poles to a dulcimer, umbrellas and even garden seeds in the spring. Visit the public library in your community to discover what's available.