Library of Things

Introducing the Library of Things

The Monroe County Library System is excited to offer a new collection of items that transcend traditional library materials and further enrich the community with access to informational, educational, and recreational resources.

The Library has developed a “Library of Things” – collections of physical objects ready to borrow from a branch near you. Our current collection includes:

  • Festive cake pans
  • Pickle Ball sets
  • Sphero Minis
  • Traffic cones

Requesting:

  • Request items on the Library’s online catalog, using the search term “Library of Things” in quotation marks
  • Each item will be packaged securely inside a sealable bag alongside a contents list
  • Some Things may also include additional instructions and/or brochures
  • Some Things, due to the nature of their size or fragility, may only be available to pick up at certain locations and may not be available to be delivered to the patron’s home library

Check Out and Returns:

  • Things may be checked out for a one-week loan period
  • Things should be checked out at a circulation desk, not self-check
  • Things should be cleaned and returned in their original check-out package
  • Things must be returned inside to a circulation desk, not a drop box
  • If Things are returned in the book drop, the patron account may be stopped from borrowing Things in the future

Limits and Renewals:

  • Patrons may check out two Things at a time
  • Library of Things items will automatically be renewed one time for one week, unless another patron has a hold on the Thing

A Growing Collection

A variety of things are available at the following branches:

  • Bedford
  • Carleton
  • Ellis
  • Erie
  • Frenchtown
  • Ida
  • Maybee
  • Petersburg

More “things” are planned for the future.