What Can You Borrow at the Library Besides Books?

A “Library of Things” lets you borrow WiFi hotspots, museum passes, tools, telescopes, instruments, and more — free with your library card. Here’s what’s out there.

By the Public-Libraries.com Editorial Team · Updated August 7, 2026

The “Library of Things”

Many U.S. public libraries now run a "Library of Things" that lends far more than books—everyday and specialty items you can borrow for free with a library card. Common offerings range from WiFi hotspots and museum passes to tools, telescopes, musical instruments, cake pans, board games, and even seeds.

What you can borrow	Details	Example library
WiFi hotspots / internet devices	Eligible adult cardholders can borrow a WiFi hotspot (T-Mobile network) for free for 21 days to get internet access at home or on the go.	Boston Public Library (MA)
Museum & park passes	Through the Discover & Go program, cardholders reserve free and discounted passes to museums, science centers, zoos, and other cultural destinations.	Oakland Public Library (CA)
Tools / equipment	Residents of Oakland, Emeryville, and Piedmont can borrow tools for home improvement, repairs, gardening, and landscaping projects.	Oakland Public Library Tool Lending Library (CA)
Technology (laptops, tablets, cameras)	The Library of Things lends technology such as Chromebook laptops, camera kits (camera, tripod, ring light, lightbox), and WiFi hotspots to adult cardholders.	Baltimore County Public Library (MD)
Kits & educational (telescopes, STEM kits)	Cardholders can borrow Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch astronomical telescopes for 7 days, with eyepieces, a star chart, and instruction included.	Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (OH)
Musical instruments	The Musical Instrument Lending Library lets adult patrons borrow instruments for three weeks by placing a hold with their library card.	Brooklyn Public Library (NY)
Cake pans / kitchen / household	Adult and youth cardholders in good standing can check out specialty cake pans from the Cake Pan Collection for a three-week loan.	New Orleans Public Library (LA)
Games / board games / video games	Cardholders can borrow up to two modern or classic tabletop board games at a time for a three-week loan.	Nashville Public Library (TN)
Seeds (seed libraries)	The Seed Library lets cardholders check out up to 10 packets of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds per month to grow at home, with seed saving encouraged.	Pima County Public Library (AZ)

Even more surprising things you can borrow

Beyond the usual “Library of Things” staples, some libraries lend genuinely unexpected gear. Collections vary widely by system — and loan periods are usually shorter than for books — so treat these as examples and check your own library’s catalog. Many of these live in a library’s makerspace or its wider Library of Things.

Item	A real example
Sewing machines	Yorba Linda Public Library (CA) lends Brother sewing machines on a six-week loan (renewable).
Energy (Kill-A-Watt) meters & thermal cameras	Montgomery County Public Libraries (MD) lend Kill-A-Watt energy meters to find what’s driving your power bill.
Metal detectors	The Poughkeepsie Public Library District (NY) lends a metal-detector kit to adult residents.
Fishing poles & outdoor gear	Anne Arundel County Public Library (MD), with the state DNR, lends fishing poles; other libraries lend snowshoes and park gear.
Light-therapy (SAD) lamps	Prince William Public Libraries (VA) check out light-therapy lamps for the dark winter months.

How to find what your library lends

Every library’s “Library of Things” is different. Search your library’s website for “Library of Things,” “Unusual Collections,” or “Borrow,” or just ask a librarian. Don’t have a card yet? See how to get a library card in any state — then find your local library in our directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what my local library lends besides books?

Check your library’s website for a page called “Library of Things,” “Things to Borrow,” or a specific collection name, and search the online catalog. Offerings vary by library system, so you can also ask a librarian in person or by phone which non-book items are available at your branch.

Is borrowing these items free?

Borrowing is typically free with a library card in good standing. Some items have eligibility rules (such as being an adult or a local resident) or borrowing limits, and libraries may charge replacement or damage fees if an item is lost or returned damaged.

How do I borrow a non-book item like a hotspot, telescope, or cake pan?

In most cases you place a hold through the online catalog or reserve the item by phone or in person, then pick it up at a branch with your library card. Loan periods and renewal rules differ by item—for example, hotspots and specialty items often have set loan lengths and may need to be returned to staff rather than a book drop.

Do I need a special library card to borrow a “Library of Things” item?

Usually your standard library card is enough, but many high-value items (hotspots, laptops, tools, metal detectors) require you to be 18+ (sometimes 14+) with an account in good standing, and some libraries ask you to sign a one-time use agreement for electronics. Check the rule for the specific item.

How long can I keep a non-book item, and can I renew it?

Loan periods vary a lot by item and library — hotspots and laptops often run three to four weeks, cake pans up to a month, while high-demand gear like metal detectors or park passes may be as short as seven days and sometimes non-renewable. Always confirm the due date at checkout, since many “things” cannot go in a book drop.

Can I really borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot or laptop to use at home?

Yes. Many systems lend internet hotspots and laptops or Chromebooks you take home — Chicago Public Library’s hotspots check out for up to three weeks and Miami-Dade lends Chromebooks for 30 days. These programs exist to help residents without reliable home internet, so availability and loan length depend on your local library.

What happens if I return a borrowed item late or damaged?

Policies differ: some libraries charge daily late fees on specialized items even when they are otherwise fine-free, and most hold you responsible for repair or full replacement cost if an item is lost or damaged. Some high-value items also require a refundable deposit. Review the lending agreement before you check it out.

Public-Libraries.com Editorial Team

Public-Libraries.com is an independent, reader-supported directory of every U.S. public library. Our editorial team compiles verified hours, services and resources from official sources — see how we verify our data.