What is a Library of Things?
A Library of Things (LoT) is a collection of non-traditional items that are available to check out, instead of the traditional books, movies and music. LoT collections vary greatly from canoes and skis (Maine’s Millinocket Memorial Library), to board games and even taxidermied animals (California’s San Diego Natural History Museum library).
The goal of the Chappaqua Library’s LoT is to promote sustainability, resource sharing, and allow patrons to try before they buy.
Things we currently circulate include:
Blu-ray, DVD and CD players to extend the life of the library’s and the patrons’ collections.
Walking sticks, select museum passes, and Mr. Lunetta’s Explorer Bags encourage patrons to get outside and explore nature.
IQAir’s AirVisual Pro Monitor can be checked out to measure air pollution inside your home from cooking, wood burning, interior decoration, and smoking.
Last month, we introduced a plant propagation station offering patrons a free plant cutting to help improve indoor air quality with houseplants.
And our latest addition is an induction cooktop kit. Using an induction stove is a great way to decrease indoor air pollution and now you can try before you buy thanks to our LoT.
Chappaqua also circulates Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks and ukuleles. The collection is always growing. Be sure to check out our Library of Things display behind the information desk as our collections continues to grow.
Amy Berger
Librarian, LoT Coordinator