Unsplash / Jorge Franganillo
As Arthur Read once said, having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!
New York City’s expansive network of libraries has given cardholders just about anything imaginable, from books, of course, to power tools, telescopes, and even priceless works of art to hang in their living rooms.
Now, one iconic Brooklyn library is giving New Yorkers another reason to get creative, and you don’t need to know how to knit, sew, print, or craft your way out of a paper bag to get started.
The Brooklyn Public Library is launching its first-ever Craft Supply Library, giving cardholders the chance to borrow the tools and materials they need to try a new hobby without having to spend a small fortune stocking up on supplies first.
New Yorkers can now borrow craft kits and tools for projects including screen printing, bookbinding, metal stamping, hand embroidery, and needle felting—all free with a Brooklyn Public Library card.
Facebook / Brooklyn Public Library
Patrons with an adult BPL card can borrow up to 3 craft kits and 2 craft tools simultaneously.
Craft Kits (3-Week Loan): Curated bundles containing reusable equipment designed to help you learn or complete a specific project (e.g., linocut block printing, screen printing, or bookbinding kits).
Craft Tools (1-Week Loan): Standalone hardware and specialized equipment for targeted tasks (e.g., Cricut Makers, button makers, A4 hand lever presses, yarn swifts, and thermal laminators).
What’s Included: Kits contain reusable tools only. Consumable materials—such as yarn, thread, glue, paint, paper, or buttons—are not provided and must be supplied by the borrower.
Pickup & Return Location: All items must be placed on hold via the BPL catalog and picked up and returned in person at the newly renovated Art & Music Space (2nd Floor) at the Central Library (10 Grand Army Plaza). Craft items cannot be returned in book drops or at other branch locations.
Shutterstock / Felix Lipov
🖌️ How to Get Started
Visit the Brooklyn Public Library Catalog and search for “craft supplies”.
Reserve your desired kit or tool for pickup at the Central Library.
Head to 10 Grand Army Plaza, sign your waiver at the 2nd Floor Art & Music Space, and start creating!