Checking Out Library of Things at Your Local Library!

Psst...Hey, you! I've got something new to tell you about!! 

Thinking about buying an Instant Pot, but want to try one first?  🍜🍛🍝

Just found out that you need to host an outside party for 10+ people tomorrow?  🎤🏈🎾

How about needing a saw or other tools for a quick DIY project?  🔨🔩📏🔧🔦

Sounds like it's time to head down to your local public library!!! 

Yes, you read that correctly!  As times have changed, many libraries have been evolving along with their communities.  And the one area that many patrons requested was to provide "things" that they might not have at home.

So, many public libraries have added a "Library of Things" to their collections to offer their patrons just what they need.  To learn more about these fabulous collections around the world, you can read this article, New report: The State of Libraries of Things 2024, from Shareable.net.

I work at a small, fairly rural public library in Indiana. Even in our little corner of the world, this idea has taken root. Between a main library and a small branch, we have a collection of over fifty items that range from telescopes and tools to cake pans and croquet, and so much more. I also have two wheeled crates in my office with even more items to add in the near future.

Below, you will find how we make it work at our library....😊

Library of Things Display

At our library, we try to make the Library of Things collection very user-friendly. We have a pegboard  with all the items displayed on green cards (except our one museum pass is blue). You just grab one of the cards from its hook and bring it to the front desk. We then go back to our shelving unit to bring the item out to you to check out.  It's that easy!

Library of Things 

Collection

Here are just a few examples of items that we carry at our library. We have SO much more!

Instant Pot

Cordless Drill 

This Game Is Bonkers board game

In our state, many libraries have joined Evergreen Indiana, a consortium of over 130 libraries. If you would check the collections of all these libraries, you would find over 700+ items that are way too numerous and varied to even begin mentioning here. 

But, check for yourself at Evergreen Indiana catalog and see if you find almost everything you want!

Does your library have a Library of Things collection? Tell me about it in the comments! 💬🙂

(Dewey Decimal Number: 026 ~ Special Libraries)