Beyond Books: Unexpected Ways to Use Your Library Card

By Dakota Parks for Inweekly

If you think the library is just for borrowing books, you’re missing out.

West Florida Public Libraries (WFPL) have become some of the most versatile public spaces in our community—part classroom, part creative studio, part community center, and yes, still a great place to find your next read.

“Our vision is to be the heart of our diverse community, and we are proud to provide a welcoming and inviting space where everyone is welcome to learn, discover, create and connect,” said Interim Library Services Director Christal Bell-Rivera.

While reading remains central to the mission, she added that each of the system’s eight locations offers opportunities to learn new skills, attend events and befriend other patrons.

From STEAM programs and makerspaces to meeting rooms and used bookstores, the library’s reach extends far beyond the shelves.

“The library system is so much more than a place to check out a book,” said Kathy McCartan, president of Friends of West Florida Public Library. “Community members can learn to sew, use a 3D printer or even shop for used books that directly support library services.”

Several WFPL locations, including the Pensacola, Tryon, Southwest and Bellview branches, feature bookstores operated by the Friends of West Florida Public Libraries. These stores allow patrons to purchase books at a low cost, with proceeds directly benefiting library programs and services. The group also hosts several large community book sales each year.

For patrons like Lachlan Woodson, the library has become an affordable creative center. They make full use of the makerspaces to assemble zines and create buttons and bookmarks for their book club.

“I love our public library system so much. It’s really the perfect place to spend an afternoon writing, cutting up old magazines and pasting them into a little booklet,” Woodson shared. “In 2025, I made a zine of some of my poetry at the library that now sells at Open Books. The low price of copies at the library makes it one of the most affordable ways to access zine culture.”

So whether you’re looking to learn something new, get creative or simply spend time in a welcoming third space, your library card unlocks far more than you might expect.

Dig Into Your Family History

Ever fallen down an ancestry rabbit hole at 2 a.m.? WFPL makes researching your family history easy—no DNA kit required. With your library card, you can access major genealogy databases including Ancestry Library Edition, FamilySearch, HeritageQuest and Virtual Pedigree.

For deeper research, the Pensacola Library houses extensive local history collections, including historic newspapers dating back to the 1820s, city directories, maps, obituaries, marriage records, funeral home records and delayed birth certificates. One-on-one genealogy appointments and regular workshops are also available along with staff assistance to help locate specific items or guide the process.

Make Art, Sew, Quilt, Repeat

Your library might be the most affordable art studio in town.

Several WFPL branches function as full creative hubs, offering hands-on tools and makerspace equipment for beginners and experienced creators alike. Depending on the location, patrons can access sewing machines, embroidery machines, longarm quilting machines, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, drawing tablets and large-format printers. Whether you’re learning to quilt, repairing clothing or experimenting with digital design, the library provides space, tools and assistance without the overhead of buying expensive equipment.

Makerspace resources are available through a mix of drop-in activities, scheduled programs and appointment-based equipment use. Patrons interested in learning or reserving equipment can contact library staff directly for scheduling.

3D Print Something Cool

Yes, the library has 3D printers, and they’re not just for tech experts. Through its makerspaces, WFPL gives patrons access to 3D printing technology that can be used to create everything from art pieces to practical household items.

Alongside the printers, patrons can use professional design software such as Blender and Fusion 360 to bring ideas from concept to reality. Library staff are available to guide users through the process, answer questions and help first-time makers feel comfortable experimenting.

Rent Movies & Music

For movie and music lovers, WFPL offers a robust physical media collection, including DVDs, Blu-rays and CDs. From classic films to documentaries and albums across genres, your library card gives you plenty of entertainment options—no paid streaming subscription required. The downtown branch even has an entire room dedicated to jazz that houses approximately 1,500 books, CDs and movies in the genre.

Download Your Next Read (or Listen)

Your library card works just as well on your couch as it does inside the building. Library patrons can access digital entertainment through the Libby app, which offers eBooks, audiobooks and magazines directly to phones and tablets.

Take a Class or Join a Club

Libraries are also hubs for connectivity. With eight WFPL locations and a packed monthly calendar, you can take a class or join a club nearly any time, with offerings that range from art classes to STEM and maker-focused programs.

WFPL’s club options include Adult D&D, LEGO Club, doodle art, cookbook club and several monthly book clubs featuring popular fiction and graphic novels. Extra copies of book club picks are always available, and clubs meet at WFPL branches.

Try a New Spice or Start a Garden

Looking to spice things up in the kitchen or grow your own food? The library can help with that too. The Seed Library, available at all WFPL locations, allows patrons to grab seasonal seed packets for free. Meanwhile, Southwest Libraries’ Spice of the Month Club delivers a new culinary adventure each month, complete with a pre-measured spice, information on its origins and easy recipe ideas. Just stop by and take a kit home.

Fix Your Car or Learn Practical Skills

Before heading to the mechanic, stop by the library. WFPL provides free access to ALLDATA Automotive Repair, a comprehensive do-it-yourself automotive repair database that includes diagrams, diagnostic information and step-by-step repair instructions for thousands of vehicles. Even if you don’t plan to fix the car yourself, it’s a handy source for understanding repairs and costs.

Use Digital Tools and Research Databases

Your library card unlocks powerful research tools without steep subscription fees. Patrons can dive into databases for careers, job searching, business planning, legal forms, health, history and academic subjects. Students, job seekers and entrepreneurs alike can access the same resources used by universities and professionals.

Every WFPL branch offers free public computers, Wi-Fi, scanning services and printing, along with staff assistance for technology questions. For those seeking to sharpen their digital skills, the library provides tech classes and one-on-one support to help patrons navigate devices and confidently use digital resources. For younger users, WFPL provides Launchpads, preloaded learning tablets with educational apps that promote literacy, creativity and academic development.

Get Free Museum Admission

Library cards unlock local history and culture. Patrons can check out a Pensacola Children’s Museum Admission Book from the children’s catalog at the Pensacola Library, Bellview, Molino or Tryon branches of WFPL.

These special books provide free admission for seven days to the Pensacola Children’s Museum as well as all museums in the Historic Pensacola Village. After your visit, the admission book is returned to the museum and then back to the library for the next patron—making it a shared community resource.

Don’t have a library card? That’s an easy problem to fix. Visit mywfpl.com/borrow/card for all the information needed to get one. You can also find a complete list of branch locations and operating hours at mywfpl.com/visit/locations.