More than half of the United States’ 9,249 public library districts now carry an assortment of items to borrow in addition to books. These growing collections are known as “libraries of things,” and many people still don’t know what’s available in their area.
“We started out with a vision ... [that] it would include items that would improve the quality of life for our community,” said April Lammers, principal librarian for digital services for the city of Irvine, told The Epoch Times.
“I think people are looking to simplify their lives while still being able to experience all the things that are out there. ... Most people aren’t going to buy a telescope if you live in the city, or if you live in an apartment. Or maybe a keyboard isn’t something you’ll use all the time.
“We have a bike repair kit and a Cricut kit. Some of these things, you don’t necessarily need every day.”
Lammers said the library did extensive community outreach before opening the program to library card holders only about a year ago. Many items are purchased with special grants or donations.
“We collect suggestions from the public, and so long as it fits with our goals, a lot of the things we added are because our patrons requested them,” she said.
Despite being a new collection, Irvine’s library of things already has something for all tastes, she said. One newly arrived new item is a Chompshop saw, a kid-safe power tool designed to cut through cardboard.
“You can just stick your cardboard on it and make different figures. You can get really creative, especially with Halloween coming up,” she said.
Sandy Gaw, director of the Houston Public Library, said card holders appreciate being able to test items such as musical instruments before writing a big check.
“Patron feedback highlights savings, new skills, and joyful family experiences. Families report discovering new games and even buying favorites after trying them through the library,” Gaw told The Epoch Times. (More)
