Library of Things
More to Borrow Than Books
A Library of Things is a collection of borrowable objects that go beyond the books and media you’d expect from a traditional library. It typically includes kitchen appliances, tools, gardening equipment, electronics, toys and games, art and science equipment, musical instruments, and recreational gear like sports and outdoors equipment. It’s especially handy for items that are useful now and then but pricey to buy or a pain to store, like specialized cookware or niche tech. Libraries across the US that offer a Library of Things find it’s a great way to help patrons save money and make everyday life a little easier.
How do I Borrow From the Library of Things?
You can borrow an item if:
- You have a library card
- You're 18 years or older
- Your account has been active for at least 90 days
- Your account is in good standing
If you’re eligible, browse the collection below, click on the item you’re interested in, place your item on hold, and pick it up the following day at the Downtown Library.
The jumper cables and OBD Code Reader work a little differently—they can’t be placed on hold, but if available, you can check them out on the spot with no wait.
Automotive
Car Diagnostic Scanner
Having car trouble and don’t know what the problem is? This car diagnostic scanner can help figure out what’s going on under the hood! Even though the Ancel AD310 scanner works with most cars, it may not be compatible with some models that do not support the OBD2 protocol, particularly Russian, Japanese or Korean brands. You can check out the car diagnostic scanner immediately if it is available. No hold required.
Jumper Cables
Used to jump-start a car battery by linking it to another car. These can be checked out immediately if available. No hold required.
Cooking & baking
Vacuum Sealer
This FoodSaver vacuum sealing system lets you vacuum-seal your meals, keeping them fresh longer and ready for sous-vide cooking. It also helps cut down on food waste, saving money and protecting the environment.
3-Tier Cake Pan Set
This set of three cake pans can be used to make cakes for weddings or other special occasions that call for a multi-tiered, fancy cake. The pans are 6, 8, and 9.5 inches in diameter.
Dome Cake Pan Set
Use this set of 6-inch dome pans to create cakes that resemble soccer balls, planets, the Death Star, and more!
Dinosaur Cake Pan
Make a dino-mite cake in this special pan, measuring 12.75 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 2 inches deep. Please note that this cake pan is not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it.
Craft & Hobby
Painting Easel
This portable, adjustable easel is built for painting outdoors or away from a traditional studio, and works just as well indoors. It includes trays for your brushes and paints, an adjustable top clamp, a canvas tray that holds canvases up to 17″ tall and 0.7″ deep, and tilting hardware that lets the built-in easel angle up to 180°.
The set includes a pochade box, aluminum tripod, paper towel holder, attachable work surface, and stone weight bag.
Sentro Knitting Machine
The Sentro knitting machine is a hand-cranked circular knitting machine that makes it easy to spin up knit projects and fiber crafts such as hats, beanies, socks, or scarves.
It has a simple 3-step setup: thread your yarn, turn the handle, and adjust the tension for your desired outcome.
Entertainment
Deluxe Otomatone
This whimsical synthesizer is shaped like an eighth note and is just as fun to play as it looks. To use it, slide your finger along the ribbon controller on its stem to change pitch, then squeeze its head to play notes and create different sounds. Plug in headphones, an amp, or speakers through the 3.5mm stereo jack for even richer sound.
Karaoke Machine
Have a blast at your next party by singing along to instrumental recordings of your favorite tunes, or use the microphone to make yourself heard at a meeting. This machine and three-microphone set can stream content via Bluetooth for singing karaoke, or you can use it simply as a portable speaker.
Ghost Hunting Kit
This 11-piece ghost-hunting kit includes an electromagnetic field meter, infrared thermometer, digital speaker, guidebook, and other measurement tools to track paranormal activity.
Gardening
Push Mower
This 16-inch-wide push mower will help keep your lawn nice and tidy. Best suited for small, grassy lawns cleared of large sticks and rocks.
Push Spike Aerator
For a great-looking lawn, the grasses and microorganisms in the ground need oxygen to thrive. This 18” wide aerator has five 2-inch tine stars that will loosen and till the soil, improving drainage and helping to maintain healthy grass roots. Most suitable for sandy or loamy soils.
Home Repair
Orbital Sander
Any project that requires smoothing surfaces or removing abrasions will be much easier with a sander. This handheld, double-insulated orbital sander has a 1/16 inch orbit and uses a quarter sheet of sandpaper. It requires 120 volts AC.
Patrons must supply their own sandpaper, eye protection, and dust masks.
Picture Hanging Kit
This kit helps you hang all your art and family photos perfectly level. Includes a 2-foot, 5-inch tall ladder with a 300-pound load capacity, a stud detector, and a multi-surface laser level.
Tool Kit
This fully stocked tool kit can get most basic home repairs done with ease. The kit comes with:
- 1 hammer
- 1 mallet
- 1 foldable hand saw
- 10 screwdrivers of various sizes
- 17 screwdriver heads of various sizes
- 1 ratchet
- 13 ratchet bits of various sizes
- 1 tape measure
- 8 wrenches of various sizes
- 2 pliers
- 1 flashlight
- 16 Allen wrenches of various sizes
- 1 box cutter
- 1 storage case.
Wrench Set
This wrench set can tighten and replace nuts and bolts of all shapes and sizes. Perfect for home maintenance and repairs.
Includes the following wrench sizes:
- 1/4 inch
- 5/16 inch
- 3/8 inch
- 7/16 inch
- 1/2 inch
- 9/16 inch
- 5/8 inch
- 11/16 inch
- 3/4 inch
- 13/16 inch
- 7/8 inch wrenches.
Science & Technology
Night Vision Binoculars
These 4K HD night vision binoculars let you view your surroundings and record video in low-light and daytime conditions, making them great for hiking, hunting, and birding. They feature a 3-inch screen, a 25mm wide objective lens, and 5x digital zoom.
Please note that this is just a single pair of binoculars. The image is to show what the front and back look like.
Radon Gas Monitor
This Ecosense digital monitor checks radon gas levels in your home and can be set for short-term or long-term monitoring. Just plug it in, and it will begin working! You can check it out for up to 30 days.
Power Meter
Provided by Xcel Energy, this meter helps identify power drains by measuring the wattage used by appliances and other electronic devices. Comes with an instruction manual to help guide you through using it.
Sports & Games
American Mahjong Set
Bams and craks and dragons, oh my! Mahjong is a tile-based strategy game for three or four players. This set follows simplified American-style rules and includes all the necessary game pieces and instructions on how to play.
Croquet Set
Liven up the lawn by hosting a game of croquet! Assemble the croquet mallets before use and disassemble them afterward so they fit in the case. This set includes:
- 6 croquet balls—red, green, blue, black, yellow, and orange
- 6 mallet heads
- 6 mallet handles
- 9 wickets
- 2 stakes
- 1 carrying case
Golf Club Set
Have you ever wanted to take up golf without breaking the bank? Spend some quality time out on the links with this complete golf club set. Patrons must provide their own golf balls and tees.
This set includes:
- 14 clubs: 1-driver, 2-driver, 3-driver, 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron, 5-iron, 6-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, sand wedge, pitching wedge, and putter
- 1 golf bag
- 1 CaddyTek cart
2-Person PickleBall Set
Join in on the sport sensation that has swept the nation! Get your pickleball game on with this two-person equipment set. Includes:
- 2 pickleball rackets
- 4 waffle balls
- 1 carrying case
4-Person PickleBall Set
The more, the merrier! This pickleball set lets you host a doubles match. Includes:
- 4 pickleball rackets
- 4 waffle balls
- 1 carrying case