Want to decorate a cake decorating, play an instrument, work with wood, carve soap and try other hobbies before making big financial purchases?

The city of Glendale invites the community for a free, unique festival where anyone can get up close and personal with objects and tools to get a taste of crafts, home repair, music and other activities.

The Try Everything! How-To Festival is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 21 at Glendale’s Main Library at 5959 W. Brown St.

Participants can enjoy include hands-on interaction with instruments from the Musical Instrument Museum, a booth where Master Gardeners will offer tips for growing plants. A cake and cookie decorator who will provide guidance on creating aesthetically pleasing desserts, and members of the West Valley Astronomy Club will demonstrate how to use astronomical telescopes.

The Library of Things will feature hammers, a lawn mower, saws, guitars, amplifiers, a karaoke machine, a KitchenAid stand mixer and many other items in its new grant-funded, innovative collection of objects which library patrons will soon be able to borrow.

Cardholders will be able to check out items from the Library of Things any time during regular library hours.

Libraries are providing materials other than just books for the public to borrow. This trend started in the 1970s and has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Residents have the opportunity to try items they need or are interested in using without having to buy them. It’s a great way to practice sustainability, enhance the sense of community and inspire people to take on new challenges.

To learn about this festival and other events at Glendale’s libraries, click here.