The Library of Things

More than ever, libraries are offering nontraditional items for checkout

By Terra Dankowski and Brian Mead | June 1, 2017

The Library of Things pull-out poster, illustrated by Brian Mead.

Libraries loaning “stuff” isn’t a new concept. Framed paintings were available for checkout at the Newark (N.J.) Public Library back in 1904. “Libraries were sharing before sharing was cool,” says Miguel Figueroa, director of the American Library Association’s Center for the Future of Libraries.

As the sharing economy continues to swell, nontraditional collections become more pervasive, community-specific, and imaginative. Here are some of our favorite unusual items circulating at libraries in North America (click to expand).

TERRA DANKOWSKI is an associate editor at American Libraries. BRIAN MEAD is an artist and designer based in Chicago.

Tagged Under

A music therapy student (a violinist) demonstrates how she experimented playing the Turkish spike fiddle before finding more official instructions.

Music without Borders

Loaning out world-music instruments to expand patron horizons

Community Ties

Philadelphia branch lends out neckties to job seekers

4 thoughts on “The Library of Things”

Jodie says:

June 1, 2017 at 4:09 pm

We have a very successful Library of Things including fit bits and ukuleles. It’s great fun and patrons love the surprise of a Library of Things.
1. Patrick says:
  
  December 28, 2017 at 4:15 am
  
  I’m curious who at your library led the effort to implement a library of things. Was it the director, programming, or perhaps circulation?
James Hill says:

June 20, 2017 at 11:28 am

Athens County in Ohio started the first bike lending program. I got super excited when I saw the bike coming out of our area, but then was super disappointed to see the legend referencing Stark County (not that I have anything against Stark, but some recognition, maybe…).
1. Patrick says:
  
  December 28, 2017 at 4:17 am
  
  Who at your library implemented a library of things? Was it the director, programming, or perhaps circulation? Curious how that started..

Comments are closed.

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