12 Cool Things You Can Do at the Library

Did you know you can do more than just check out books at the library? Every time I tell someone the services Arapahoe Libraries offers, they can't believe it. Yes, you can really do that at the library! Yes, the best card in your wallet is a library card.

Here are 12 cool things you can do at Arapahoe Libraries.

Borrow a State Parks or Exploration pass., opens a new window

 So this truly has to be one of the best things you can borrow from the library. The pass isn't exclusive to Arapahoe Libraries, libraries across the state also offer these passes to their patrons.

The State Parks Pass, opens a new window is a partnership with the Colorado State Library and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This pass comes with outdoor and activity ideas and will get you in to any of 42 state parks, opens a new window. How awesome is that?

The Exploration Pass, opens a new window offers limited, scheduled entry to several metro-Denver participating museums and attractions, opens a new window at no charge. What will you discover in the Mile High City?

Make sure to take pictures of your adventures and tag them on social media as #CheckoutColorado for all to see.

Go to the movies., opens a new window

The Forum Theater at Koelbel Library is a performance space built in 2015 that has a big screen for movies with an amazing sound system. In addition to being used for movie screenings and other library programs, the Forum Theater is also available for the public to reserve, providing a perfect space for actors, directors, performers and more.

Convert VHS or DVD to digital format., opens a new window

Digital Media Stations provide tools for you to preserve, edit and create. You can convert old media to new digital formats or create new digital media using Adobe Creative Cloud and other software.

No matter the project, a Digital Media Station is a one-stop vintage and virtual shop!

Digital Media Stations are available to use at Sheridan, opens a new window, Southglenn, opens a new window, Kelver, opens a new window and Smoky Hill, opens a new window libraries.

Borrow an internet connection., opens a new window

You don't need to be IN the library to use our WiFi. We have mobile hotspots you can check out and take home, just like a book or a DVD. They connect up to five devices and you can borrow them for a week.

Learn to sew., opens a new window

For the creative and curious alike, we have the perfect space for you to tinker, hack, craft and create. Our Makerspace has awesome tools like sewing machines, soldering irons, laser cutter, Silhouette Cameo, CNC and much more! 

You can make an appointment and reserve stations to use available equipment. We also have fun Makerspace events you can attend.

Read a magazine on your tablet., opens a new window

With Flipster, opens a new window, you get instant access to the most popular magazines like People and US Weekly to read from your computer, tablet or phone. They are full digital copies and the good news: you get to keep them!

Hang out in a cafe., opens a new window

Smoky Hill and Koelbel both have beautiful cafes staffed with baristas who can provide you with yummy coffee and delicious snacks. They are spacious, open and offer the perfect spot to read a book, work remotely or just visit with friends.

Borrow a GoPro, opens a new window.

Have you always wanted to try out a GoPro without the commitment of buying? We can help you capture your life experiences and share them with others! This is one of the many cool devices we offer the community to check out and you can borrow them for a week.

Take home a robot., opens a new window

Dash and Dot are just two of the kid-friendly, programmable robots you can take home. Dash is the explorer and Dot is the storyteller, and they can be used separately or together as a team. There is an app for every age group and learning level so it's fun for the whole family.

Stream music, books and movies/TV., opens a new window

All you need is your library card to start streaming music, books and movies/TV to your computer or mobile device with hoopla, opens a new window, which also has a mobile app for your convenience.

Use a 3D printer., opens a new window

You can send us your design or get certified to use a 3D printer in the Makerspace. If you are new to 3D print design, you can request the help of a tech specialist, or train yourself using library resources like LinkedIn Learning or cookiecad.com, opens a new window, a great website for 3D design beginners.

If you are interested in getting certified to use the printer on your own, reach out to a technology specialist for more info.

Pick up your holds 24/7., opens a new window

Arapahoe Libraries offers outdoor holds lockers to pick up books, movies and other held items. Holds lockers never close and are available for holds pickup 24/7. 

When placing a hold, you have the option to select a locker as your pickup location. Choosing a locker allows you to pick up items that are ready any time that is convenient for you.

After you receive a notification or check your account to see that your item(s) is ready, you can scan your library card at the locker location and enter your PIN, then your assigned locker door will automatically open to reveal your items, which are checked out to you. How cool is that?

What's on your list?

We offer so many amazing things, it was really hard to narrow it down. What is the coolest thing you've ever done at the library? Share with us!