We all know that you can use your library card to check out books, but that’s just the beginning of the many resources offered at the Chattanooga Public Library.

Recently, the NOOGAtoday team was invited to visit the library to learn about various ways you can use your card, such as getting a passport, printing a graphic on a T-shirt, recording a song in a state-of-the-art studio + borrowing gardening tools to help plant that spring garden.

The library is basically a one-stop shop for everything you can imagine … and the only thing you need is a card.

8 ways to use your library card (in addition to checking out books):

Check out tools

Library card holders (18 and up) can check out up to three of the 51 tools available at the new Tool Library. Need a staple gun for that school project? How about a hacksaw to cut your own Christmas tree? Tired of whittling sticks? Amateur woodworkers can borrow a wood chisel set to complete their projects.

Passports

Getting a U.S. Passport can be complicated, but library officials make it easy. They offer services by appointment to help navigate the U.S. Passport Acceptance process. This includes new passport applications, renewals + passport photos (you can smile, but no teeth. And don’t you dare wear white). Make an appointment by calling (423) 643-7724. ✈️ You’ll be a jet-setter before you know it.

Make T-shirts

The eclectic 4th Floor is a 12,000 square-foot space with stations focusing on information, design, technology and the applied arts. In addition to 3D laser printers, Arduino robots and a virtual-reality booth, there’s also a space for screen printing and a heat press. I can finally print that shirt that says, “Get you a man who writes informative lists for online digital media platforms.” (P.S., there’s always someone there to help you out with the equipment.) 👕

Vinyls/decals

The library has a nifty vinyl plotter for public use. It’s essentially a fancy computer printer for printing vector graphics (two-dimensional graphics). You can print custom decals + window stickers for $0.30 per square foot of vinyl used. At those prices, you can afford to be creative.

The Sewing Lab

One of the first things you notice on the 4th Floor is a row of sewing machines and bolts of fabric. They offer everything you might need to sew that patchwork quilt or make a custom prom dress. It’s a great place to learn how to sew without investing in your own equipment.

The Studio

A full recording studio can cost thousands of dollars to set-up and it probably won’t be as professional as The Studio on the third floor. The best part? It’s open to everybody. It features 1,000 square-feet of recording space with “industry-standard equipment” and a recording expert (Charles Allison) to help you record the best possible sound. WUTC has been showcasing the space by recording local bands and broadcasting “Live In The Library Sessions” each Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Genealogy

Researching your family history has never been easier. The library offers multiple resources for genealogical research including the Ancestry.com Library Edition (one of the largest online databases), access to an archive of Chattanooga obituaries + other online resources to help you fill out that family tree.

Programs + events

The library might be a resource for materials (see above), but it’s also an active learning environment. More than 3,000 events take place each year for kids (infants to teens) and adults. December alone is jam-packed with programming, everything from Baby Bounces (30-minutes of activities for infants) to DIY Teen Tuesdays to hands-on time at The Studio. Click here for a full calendar of events.

Albert Einstein famously said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Our own Chattanooga Public Libary (1001 Broad St.) is your one-stop location for knowledge, education + community.

How do you use the library? Drop us a comment below and let us know