More than books: 8 surprising things you can check out from your local library

Public libraries hold more than just vast collections of books, movies and music.

From seeds to outdoor gear to ghost hunting kits, your local library may have more to offer than you think.

Help in the kitchen

Why buy a new ice cream maker, when you can just check one out from the library?

The Petoskey District Library offers an ice cream maker, food dehydrator, cake pans and more equipment for the culinary arts available for patrons.

Search the skies

If you’re looking to learn more about astronomy or bird watching, the Charlevoix Public Library has telescopes and binoculars available for patrons to check out.

Board game bonanza

If your family game night needs spicing up, the Cheboygan Area Public Library has dozens of games of all types available to borrow. Want to play classics like Clue or Candyland? How about word games like Bananagrams or Scrabble? Looking for some laughs with Cards Against Humanity or Apples to Apples? Want to brush up on your Harry Potter or Disney trivia? They have it all.

Take a hike

Take a hike or explore someplace new with outdoor gear from your local library.

The Petoskey District Library has snowshoes available for patrons to borrow. They also have corn hole, bocce ball and Molkky sets, and even a metal detector — complete with headphones, a collapsible shovel and user manual — for people to try out new outdoor games and hobbies.

Music and more

Looking for a musical outlet? The Charlevoix Public Library has several options for patrons to check out, from a portable electronic drum kit to ukeleles to a Victrola 6-in-1 turntable.

Find a ghost

If you’re experiencing some spooky activity, or are just looking for a fun new hobby, try checking out the Petoskey District Library’s ghost hunting kit.

The kit includes a Spirit Box, a voice recorder, an EMF reader and a UV flashlight (along with instructions) for the amateur ghost hunter.

Let it grow

The Otsego County Library is home to a seed library, which provides patrons will all types and varieties of flowers, vegetables, herbs and even some fruit. Patrons can pick up to five seed packets at a time.

Tools to the rescue

Whether it’s charging a battery or inflating a tire, the Boyne District Library has plenty of tools available to borrow.

On the technology side, they have items like WiFi hotspots, webcams and microphones. For construction and yard work needs, the library has everything from a tire inflator to shovels to tree loppers for patrons to check out.

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.