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 Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · 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)

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.

Megan Carter

Megan Carter is the Library Resources Editor at Public-Libraries.com, where she researches and explains how to get the most out of America’s public libraries — from library cards to free digital resources.