A did-you-know guide to unexpected ways to use Holmes County library

Sewing machines and yard games ? unusual, seasonal and not the items that come to mind first when heading to check something out at the library.

But, those are among the more obscure things offered at the Holmes County District Public Library in Millersburg that can be checked out with a library card, according to Director Paula Cicconetti.

Members of the community include a lot of do-it-your-selfers and crafters, she said.

The three sewing machines, donated by a local company, come in handy for someone whose own machine is "on the fritz" or who wants to use one or try one out without having to buy it.

They're most popular among patrons as a seasonal item, she said, in the fall or cooler weather.

One of the challenges in lending them is making sure they remain in working order and retain all of their parts and pieces, Cicconetti said.

A bevy of games: Pickleball, ladder toss, disc golf

Yard games are another popular takeout item, a product of the pandemic, she said, in response to something the library could do to help patrons during an isolating time.

Among the popular outdoor games are a pickleball set, ladder toss and disc golf, which can be played on a course next door to the library. One of the newer games is Kan Jam.

They aren't just borrowed for individual use, Cicconetti said, but also for events such as a family reunions and vacation Bible school.

A sewing machine can be checked out for 28 days and a game for one week.

The library may be "more budget-conscious" than other libraries, said Cicconetti, because it is one of a minority of libraries not supported by a levy.

Its cost-effective practices carry into the community with the variety of services to help patrons save money.

The Friends of the Library organization is "a big help," Cicconetti said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Sewing machines, yard games on check-out list at Holmes library