LEAP TO THE LIBRARY! Head on over to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library to take advantage of these resources and more!

To some, there are few things more magnificent than the usual opportunity a library presents: dozens, hundreds, even thousands of books waiting to share their stories with you! For book lovers, there are few things better. However, there are so many other resources and opportunities available at public libraries, including downtown Eau Claire’s own L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Here are eight things you didn’t know you could do with your library card or just by visiting the library (400 Eau Claire St.) in person!

1. Braille Printing Service

This is an incredible resource that many people may not realize is accessible through the L.E. Phillips Public Library – heck, I didn’t know the library offered this service until I began perusing its website! If you or someone you know has a need for documents printed in Braille, a simple form can make that happen. You can request a Braille printout of your document – which should be submitted as a text or word processing computer file, and be no longer than 10 pages (longer documents will be considered on a case-by-case basis) – by submitting through an online form, and someone at the library will be in touch to finalize your submission. There is a limit of one request per week.

Visit the library’s website for more information.

2. Genealogy Tools & Resources

The library offers several collections of tips, guides, fillable forms, and many more resources to assist you in genealogical searches. The genealogy webpage also has two featured resources: Fold3® by Ancestry, which offers access to military records, and the Genealogical Research Society of Eau Claire’s database of births, marriages, divorces, and obituaries. The library even offers resources for burial records, immigration and census information, and newspaper archives.

Visit the library’s website for more information.

3. Community Resource Assistance + Community Resource Specialist

Free and confidential services are offered by the library’s community resources specialist, Libby Richter, who can provide information or referrals in relation to food, housing, health insurance, mental health, parenting, education, employment, and more. You can make a 45-minute appointment with Richter online, or visit during regular Community Resource office hours: Mondays and Tuesdays noon-4pm; Wednesdays 2-6pm; and Fridays 2-6pm. Thursdays are appointments only, and hours are subject to change.

Visit the library’s website for more information.

4. Play Kits

There are so many resources at the library, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what to read or what kind of game or toy to rent. Play Kits are the perfect way to go! Curated for kids ages 3-5, each Play Kit is themed and contains about five to seven books and educational toys. Themes include underwater, science, colors, dinosaur, and more!

Visit the library’s website for more information.

5. Home Delivery

For folks who may not have a way to get to the library or have difficulty doing so, home delivery may be an option. Though the free delivery service is popular – almost 200 people use it! – and a short wait for newcomers is possible, it is an awesome service nonetheless. Deliveries are made every three weeks by the library van or by one of the 30-plus volunteers and can be made to people in the City of Eau Claire or to those outside the city who are not already served by the Chippewa Falls or Altoona public libraries. You can borrow books, music CDs, video games, Dabble Box maker kits, and more. Email homedeliverservice@eauclaire.lib.wi.us with any questions or call (715) 839-4857.

Visit the library’s website for more information.

6. Free Legal Clinic

Every third Wednesday of the month the Free Legal Clinic is held at the Riverview Room (third floor) from 5:30-7pm. As described online, the event operates on a question-and-answer forum where participants have 10 to 15 minutes to ask questions, with five to seven attorneys available at each clinic to answer questions and offer free legal advice. Generally, attorneys are available to discuss divorce and family law, landlord-tenant matters, as well as debtor, creditor, employment, wills and estates, criminal, traffic, and other topics. The lawyers won’t represent you in court or prepare legal documents, but they can provide general legal advice.

Go online for more information.

7. Die Cut Machine

The library’s Resource Room is also home to its die-cut machine and a collection of 500-plus die cuts, available to use anytime the library is open! A die-cut machine is a tool used to cut shapes out of paper, such as letters and shapes for craft projects or bulletin boards. Quicker and more accurate than using scissors, the die-cut machine can help turn your idea into reality! Simply bring your own paper and stop by the Youth Services Desk to reserve the room (walk-in reservations are welcome).

Visit the library’s website for more information.

8. DVD Player, Movie, and Projector Kit Rental

Streaming is the norm nowadays, but what if your favorite movie isn’t available on the streaming service you have, or you don’t have access to streaming at all? Whatever the reason, the library has your back! Check out a DVD player and browse the library’s collection of DVD/BlueRay/4K flicks, and enjoy a movie night at home! The library even has a Bluetooth projector kit available to borrow, which could make for an epic movie night anywhere in the house, in your backyard with a sheet strung up, or whatever else you dream up!

Learn more about the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire) and its offerings online.