The Library of Things is a new program introduced by the Rowan County Public Library that allows people to check out items that may be considered non-traditional for a library to have. People can check out tools, home and kitchenware, toys, educational equipment, technology, and other devices.
Morgan Mullins, communications manager at RCPL, said borrowing from this unique catalogue is similar to checking out a book.
“Items circulate for two weeks. There is a limit of three items per account at one time, so similar to how you can check out six DVDs or one video game. So, the 20 overall items you can have out on your card at once includes the three times you can check out from the Library of Things,” said Mullins.
Additionally, items must be signed out by a person over 18 years old and must be returned to the front desk when they are due. Mullins said when considering what items to include in the catalogue, they considered input from members of the community.
“So, we were inspired by that and also by some of the needs that we saw in the community, and by things we saw other libraries doing. So, we have a pretty broad variety,” said Mullins.
Most of the items in this collection came from a special project budget or donations. The library is not currently taking any more donations for the catalogue. The Library of Things can be found toward the front of the building between the Kentucky room and the new sensory room.