Library of Things: What You Can Borrow (161 Libraries, by State)
🧰 U.S. library guide
The Library of Things: Borrow More Than Books
Your library card unlocks far more than books. A growing number of U.S. public libraries lend a “Library of Things” — tools, telescopes, musical instruments, sewing machines, board games, STEM kits and more, free with your card. Here is how it works, plus a verified, state-by-state list of libraries with a Library of Things.
A Library of Things is a collection of everyday objects the library buys once and lends to the whole community — so you do not have to buy something you will use only a few times. Catalogs vary, but commonly include power and gardening tools, telescopes and binoculars, sewing machines, musical instruments, board games, kitchen and baking gear, STEM and robotics kits, metal detectors, and gadgets like light meters or thermal cameras. Everything is free to borrow with a library card.
Jump to a state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin
How it works
- Browse the “Library of Things” catalog. Check the library’s website or catalog for what it lends — every library’s collection is different.
- Reserve the item with your card. Popular things (telescopes, projectors, tools) get booked ahead, so place a hold.
- Pick it up at the desk. Some items come in a case with instructions or accessories — check that everything is included.
- Use it, then return it on time. Loan periods are usually shorter than books, and you can often borrow only one or a few things at a time.
- Report any problems. Tell staff if something is damaged or missing a part — some items carry a deposit or replacement fee.
Good to know
Library of Things loans work a little differently from books: shorter loan periods, limits on how many items you can take at once, and sometimes a refundable deposit or a fee for lost parts on high-value gear. Check your library’s policy — and reserve seasonal favorites (telescopes, projectors, gardening tools) early.
Libraries with a Library of Things, by state
Every library below has this service verified on its official page. We add more as we confirm them — browse the full U.S. library directory for everything else.
Alabama · 3 libraries
North Shelby LibraryBirmingham, Alabama · (205) 439-55005521 Cahaba Valley RoadLibrary of Things: science kits, kitchen items, electronics, jumper cables →Homewood Public LibraryHomewood, Alabama · (205) 332-66001721 Oxmoor RoadLibrary of Things: instruments, STEM kits, telescopes, iPads, Rokus, metal detectors, record player kits, tools, and more →Pelham Public LibraryPelham, Alabama · (205) 620-64182000 Pelham Park BlvdLibrary of Things (lendable everyday items) →
Alaska · 5 libraries
Frances Kibble Kenny Lake Public LibraryCopper Center, Alaska · (907) 822-3015Mile 5 Edgerton Highway, HC 60 Box 223Loans unusual tools including a chimney brush, Kill-a-Watt energy meter, and DVD disc cleaner — a genuine Library of Things in miniature →Kodiak Public LibraryKodiak, Alaska · (907) 486-8686612 Egan WayTool Library — borrow useful household and project tools →Seward Community Library & MuseumSeward, Alaska · (907) 224-4082239 6th AvenueAV equipment lending →Skagway Public LibrarySkagway, Alaska · (907) 983-2665703 State StreetLibrary of Things: musical instruments, sewing machines, STEM kits, Legos, electronics, DVDs, board games & puzzles →Thorne Bay Public LibraryThorne Bay, Alaska · (907) 519-7397120 Freeman DrCheckout of books, movies, audiobooks, magazines, CDs, and board games →
Arizona · 2 libraries
Camp Verde Community LibraryCamp Verde, Arizona · (928) 554-8380130 Black Bridge Road17,000 sq ft 2016 building by architect Joel Westervelt — corrugated metal, Verde River rock base, rainwater-harvesting observatory tower, and a rooftop deck with telescopes →Chandler Public Library – DowntownChandler, Arizona · (480) 782-280022 S Delaware StreetBook & Board Library Lounge (Downtown only): café, 150+ board games, Dragon's Den private game room (reservable), board-game checkout (7-day loan) →
Arkansas · 3 libraries
Garland County LibraryHot Springs, Arkansas · (501) 623-41611427 Malvern AvenueFun Stuff Collection: fishing poles, cake pans, board games, yard games, and puzzles →Main Library — Central Arkansas Library SystemLittle Rock, Arkansas · (501) 918-3000100 South Rock StreetLibrary of Things: telescopes, birdwatching kits, fishing poles, mobile hotspots →Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter CountyMountain Home, Arkansas · (870) 580-0987300 Library HillCollection of Things: lending library including fishing poles, ukuleles, activity kits, and cake pans →
California · 3 libraries
American Canyon LibraryAmerican Canyon, California · (707) 644-1136300 Crawford WayLibrary of Things lending (musical instruments, cooking supplies, record players) →Oceanside Public LibraryOceanside, California · (760) 435-5600330 N Coast HwyLibrary of Things — borrow tools, tech gadgets, and unique items free with a library card →San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs CommonSan Diego, California · (619) 236-5800330 Park BoulevardIDEA Lab Makerspace (4th floor) — 3D printers, Glowforge Pro laser cutter, CNC milling machine, embroidery machines, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, and VHS/vinyl digitization station →
Colorado · 11 libraries
Basalt Regional LibraryBasalt, Colorado · (970) 927-431114 Midland AveLibrary of Things (camping gear, backpacking kits, telescopes, binoculars, sewing machines, board games, tools) →Pine River LibraryBayfield, Colorado · (970) 884-2222395 Bayfield Center DriveLibrary of Things — tools and specialty equipment (18+, 90-day card required, 1-week checkout) →Central Library — Denver Public LibraryDenver, Colorado · (720) 865-111110 W. Fourteenth Ave. PkwyideaLAB makerspace (4th floor): 3D printers, laser cutter, recording studio, sewing machines, Adobe Creative Suite →Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch LibraryDenver, Colorado · (720) 865-23701498 N. Irving StreetideaLAB makerspace with sewing machines, 3D printer, embroidery machine, sublimation printer, Cricut, and recording studio →Eagle Public LibraryEagle, Colorado · (970) 328-8800600 Broadway StLibrary of Things: Chromebooks, mobile hotspots, GoPros, games, STEM kits, photography gear (1-week loan) →Englewood Public LibraryEnglewood, Colorado · (303) 762-25601000 Englewood ParkwayLibrary of Things — book club kits (8-week loan), board games, induction burners, and brain kits →Lake County Public LibraryLeadville, Colorado · (719) 486-05691115 Harrison AvenueTool Library (power tools, hand tools, equipment; 10 items / 7 days; 18+; orientation required) →Edwin A. Bemis Public LibraryLittleton, Colorado · (303) 795-39616014 S. Datura StreetThe Studio makerspace (Cricut, 3D printers, sewing machines, digitization station) — reservable in 3-hour blocks →Louisville Public LibraryLouisville, Colorado · (303) 335-4849951 Spruce StreetMakerspace (3D printing, Cricut cutters, sewing machines, SparkFun Inventor's Kits, green-screen digital camera) →Lyons Community LibraryLyons, Colorado · (303) 823-5165451 4th AvenueLibrary of Things: craft kits, musical instruments, yard games, and more →Wilkinson Public LibraryTelluride, Colorado · (970) 728-4519100 W Pacific AvenueLibrary of Things: tools, outdoor and camping gear, automotive items, musical instruments, games, electronics, e-readers, kids items →
Connecticut · 11 libraries
Henry Carter Hull LibraryClinton, Connecticut · (860) 669-234210 Killingworth TurnpikeInstrument lending: guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, violin, dulcimer, drums ($2/day, $8 maximum); each includes ArtistWorks online lesson access →Enfield Public LibraryEnfield, Connecticut · (860) 763-7510104 Middle RoadInstrument lending (guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, violin, dulcimer, drums) with ArtistWorks online lessons; 3-week checkout →Essex Library AssociationEssex, Connecticut · (860) 767-156033 West AvenueLibrary of Things (tools, tech, board games, lawn games, hotspots, keyboards, wellness items) →Welles-Turner Memorial LibraryGlastonbury, Connecticut · (860) 652-77192407 Main StreetLibrary of Things: LED projector, Canon scanner, karaoke machine; 7-day loan, 2 items at a time →Groton Public LibraryGroton, Connecticut · (860) 441-675052 Newtown RdLibrary of Things — borrowable specialty items including tech and tools →Hartford Public Library, Downtown LibraryHartford, Connecticut · (860) 695-6300500 Main StreetLibrary of Things (arts & crafts, cooking, technology, home improvement, music, outdoor gear) →New Haven Free Public LibraryNew Haven, Connecticut · (203) 946-8130133 Elm StreetLibrary of Things: borrow tools, kitchen equipment, games, camping gear, health items, and learning kits →Cyrenius H. Booth LibraryNewtown, Connecticut · (203) 426-453325 Main StreetLibrary of Things lending includes laptops, WiFi hotspots, power tools, sewing machines, stand mixers, sports equipment, ukuleles, and museum passes to 15 Connecticut destinations →Cora J. Belden LibraryRocky Hill, Connecticut · (860) 258-762133 Church StreetLibrary of Things lending collection →Scoville Memorial LibrarySalisbury, Connecticut · (860) 435-283838 Main StreetLibrary of Things — borrowable items beyond traditional media →Ferguson LibraryStamford, Connecticut · (203) 964-10001 Public Library PlazaCreateLab makerspace (3D printing, sewing machine, ukulele, and creative tools) →
Delaware · 1 library
District of Columbia · 1 library
Florida · 2 libraries
Maitland Public LibraryMaitland, Florida · (407) 647-7700501 South Maitland AvenueLibrary of Things — telescopes, Blu-ray/DVD players, STEM kits and specialty equipment available to check out →Temple Terrace Public LibraryTemple Terrace, Florida · (813) 506-6770202 Bullard ParkwayBeyond Books Lending: sewing machines, kitchen appliances, tools, and more →
Georgia · 1 library
Idaho · 4 libraries
Caldwell Public LibraryCaldwell, Idaho · (208) 459-32421010 Dearborn StreetLibrary of Things (board games, sports equipment, STEM kits) →Coeur d'Alene Public LibraryCoeur d'Alene, Idaho · (208) 769-2315702 E Front AvenueLibrary of Things — borrow tools, kits and equipment beyond books →Eagle Public LibraryEagle, Idaho · (208) 939-6814100 N Stierman WayLibrary of Things: cake pans, cookie cutters, sewing machines, robotics kits, fishing poles, gaming remotes, outdoor gear →Idaho Falls Public LibraryIdaho Falls, Idaho · (208) 612-8460457 West BroadwayMakerspaces (3D printing, laser cutting, Cricut, sewing machines, audio recording studio) →
Illinois · 4 libraries
Addison Public LibraryAddison, Illinois · (630) 543-36174 Friendship PlazaLibrary of Things — Wi-Fi hotspots, board games, crafting tools and more →Bloomington Public LibraryBloomington, Illinois · (309) 828-6091205 East Olive StreetBook club kits, memory-care collections and equipment lending →Rogers Park BranchChicago, Illinois · (312) 744-01566907 N. Clark StreetLibrary of Things: fishing poles for lakefront use →Normal Public LibraryNormal, Illinois · (309) 452-1757206 West College AvenueSeed Library (since 2014) and seed swaps, plus a Library of Things lending gadgets, tools and equipment →
Indiana · 4 libraries
Noble County Public Library (Albion)Albion, Indiana · (260) 636-7197813 E Main StreetLibrary of Things lending program →Aurora Public Library DistrictAurora, Indiana · (812) 926-0646414 Second StreetLibrary of Things lending program (non-traditional item checkout) →Garrett Public LibraryGarrett, Indiana · (260) 357-5485107 East Houston StreetLibrary of Things — non-traditional item lending beyond books and media →Thorntown Public LibraryThorntown, Indiana · (765) 436-7348124 North Market StreetEquipment lending: DVD players, LCD and slide projectors, projection screens →
Iowa · 4 libraries
Jefferson Public LibraryJefferson, Iowa · (515) 386-2835150 N 2nd StreetLibrary of Things: memory kits, puzzles, community displays →Mason City Public LibraryMason City, Iowa · (641) 421-3668225 2nd Street SELibrary of Things — borrowable non-book items →Spencer Public LibrarySpencer, Iowa · (712) 580-729021 East 3rd StreetLibrary of Things — borrow equipment, tools, and specialty items →Kendall Young LibraryWebster City, Iowa · (515) 832-91001201 Willson AvenueLibrary of Things lending collection →
Kentucky · 5 libraries
Logan County Public Library — Auburn BranchAuburn, Kentucky · (270) 542-8180106 Spring StreetLibrary of Things — tools, recreational equipment and tech gadgets for two-week checkout →Fleming County Public LibraryFlemingsburg, Kentucky · (606) 845-7851202 Bypass BoulevardLibrary of Things — tools, instruments and specialty items for two-week checkout →Paul Sawyier Public LibraryFrankfort, Kentucky · (502) 352-2665319 Wapping StreetLibrary of Things (non-book item checkout) →Pulaski County Public LibrarySomerset, Kentucky · (606) 679-8401304 South Main StreetLibrary of Things — borrow equipment and non-book items →Clark County Public LibraryWinchester, Kentucky · (859) 744-5661370 South Burns AvenueLibrary of Things (bakeware, tools, games, Wi-Fi hotspots, projectors, fishing poles, and more) →
Louisiana · 1 library
Maine · 3 libraries
Auburn Public LibraryAuburn, Maine · (207) 333-664049 Spring StreetLibrary of Things lending collection →Berwick Public LibraryBerwick, Maine · (207) 698-5737103 Old Pine Hill RoadLibrary of Things — tools, games, and equipment to borrow →Ellsworth Public LibraryEllsworth, Maine · (207) 667-636320 State StreetLibrary of Things — growing collection of borrowable items beyond books →
Maryland · 7 libraries
Kent County Public LibraryChestertown, Maryland · (410) 778-3636408 High StreetLibrary of Things — specialized equipment and items for loan →Allegany County Library System — Washington Street LibraryCumberland, Maryland · (301) 777-120031 Washington StreetLibrary of Things — specialized equipment lending beyond books and media →Caroline County Public LibraryDenton, Maryland · (410) 479-1343100 Market StreetMakerspace services: 3D printer, digitization station (VHS/film to digital), laptops & Wi-Fi hotspot checkout, and a Library of Things collection →Talbot County Free LibraryEaston, Maryland · (410) 822-1626100 W. Dover StreetMakerspace (3D printing, sewing machine, button maker, cardboard cutter) →Charles County Public Library - La Plata BranchLa Plata, Maryland · (301) 934-90012 Garrett AvenueMobile printing, curbside pickup and Library of Things checkout →Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett CountyOakland, Maryland · (301) 334-39966 North Second StreetEducational Toys, garden tools, fishing poles, Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout →Queen Anne's County Library — Kent Island BranchStevensville, Maryland · (410) 643-8161200 Library CircleLibrary of Things →
Massachusetts · 10 libraries
Acton Memorial LibraryActon, Massachusetts · (978) 929-6655486 Main StreetLibrary of Things — 3D printer, tools, games and other loanable items →Ashland Public LibraryAshland, Massachusetts · (508) 881-013466 Front StreetLibrary of Things: borrowable technology and lifestyle items in the Minuteman catalog →Bedford Free Public LibraryBedford, Massachusetts · (781) 275-94407 Mudge WayLibrary of Things — loanable non-book items for home and community use →Franklin Public LibraryFranklin, Massachusetts · (508) 520-4940118 Main StreetLibrary of Things — borrowable non-traditional items in the Minuteman catalog →Lincoln Public LibraryLincoln, Massachusetts · (781) 259-84653 Bedford RoadLibrary of Things: thermal cameras, hotspots, digital film scanners, multiscanner, WiFi projectors →Medway Public LibraryMedway, Massachusetts · (508) 533-321726 High StreetLibrary of Things (borrowable equipment) →Randall LibraryStow, Massachusetts · (978) 897-857219 Crescent StreetLibrary of Things (tools, arts & crafts, STEM items — up to 3 items/month) →Goodnow LibrarySudbury, Massachusetts · (978) 443-103521 Concord RoadLibrary of Things: borrowable tools and recreation items (metal detector, pressure washer, bocce set and more) →Watertown Free Public LibraryWatertown, Massachusetts · (617) 972-6431123 Main StreetLibrary of Things — borrow tools, kits and equipment beyond books →Woburn Public LibraryWoburn, Massachusetts · (781) 933-014845 Pleasant StreetLibrary of Things lending collection →
Michigan · 5 libraries
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public LibraryAlpena, Michigan · (989) 356-6188211 N. 1st AvenueMakerLab (3rd floor): 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC cutters, vinyl cutters, VR headsets, Arduino/Raspberry Pi, soldering, sewing machine, robots →Alice & Jack Wirt Public LibraryBay City, Michigan · (989) 893-9566500 Center AvenueLibrary of Things collection →Dexter District LibraryDexter, Michigan · (734) 426-44773255 Alpine StreetSpecial Collections lending (ukuleles, radon detectors, VHS/film/cassette/slide converters, projectors, hotspot and laptop kits, Kill-a-watt meters, Epson scanners, TI-84 calculators, portable Blu-ray →Farmington Community Library — Farmington HillsFarmington Hills, Michigan · (248) 553-030032737 West 12 Mile RoadSeed library and "library of things" (board games, lawn games, play kits, STEM kits, devices) →Traverse Area District LibraryTraverse City, Michigan · (231) 932-8500610 Woodmere AvenueLibrary of Things (instruments, Wi-Fi hotspots, game consoles, tools, baking pans) →
Minnesota · 2 libraries
Wescott LibraryEagan, Minnesota · (651) 450-29001340 Wescott RoadiLAB Creative Space with audio production booth, 3D printers (Ultimaker 2+ Connect), Adobe Creative Suite (Mac & PC), VHS/8mm/negative/photo digitization, sewing machines + mentor appointments, Silhou →Stillwater Public LibraryStillwater, Minnesota · (651) 275-4338224 3rd Street NorthLibrary of Things (telescopes, laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, nature backpacks, memory kits, book-club kits) →
Mississippi · 2 libraries
Humphreys County LibraryBelzoni, Mississippi · (662) 247-3606105 South Hayden StreetBooks, large-print titles, DVDs, audiobooks and board games →Laurel-Jones County LibraryLaurel, Mississippi · (601) 428-4313530 Commerce StreetLibrary of Things — power drills, hotspots, digital microscope, telescopes, robotics kits, sewing machine, board games & more →
Montana · 5 libraries
Hearst Free LibraryAnaconda, Montana · (406) 563-6932401 Main StreetCommunity meeting room and board game/puzzle lending →Belgrade Community LibraryBelgrade, Montana · (406) 388-4346205 East Main StreetLibrary of Things lending (coming soon) and low-vision tools (coming soon) →Lewis & Clark LibraryHelena, Montana · (406) 447-1690120 South Last Chance GulchLibrary of Things — sewing machines, video games, book-club kits and Wi-Fi hotspots →Sidney-Richland County LibrarySidney, Montana · (406) 433-1917121 3rd Avenue NWLibrary of Things — specialty items for borrowing →North Valley Public LibraryStevensville, Montana · (406) 777-5061208 Main StLibrary of Things — tools, storytime kits, wellness kits and other non-book items →
Nebraska · 2 libraries
Chadron Public LibraryChadron, Nebraska · (308) 432-0531201 West 2nd StreetMakerspace — laser cutter, 3D printers, Cricut/die cutter, sewing machine, button maker (staff training provided) →Lied Scottsbluff Public LibraryScottsbluff, Nebraska · (308) 630-62501809 3rd AvenueCheckout of books, CDs, DVDs, Playaways, puzzles, and board games →
Nevada · 1 library
New Hampshire · 5 libraries
Elkins Public LibraryCanterbury, New Hampshire · (603) 783-43869 Center RoadLibrary of Things: tents, musical instruments, projector, sewing machine, outdoor gear, kitchen appliances & more →Concord Public LibraryConcord, New Hampshire · (603) 225-867045 Green StreetLibrary of Things (tools, instruments, electronics & more) for cardholders →Madbury Public LibraryMadbury, New Hampshire · (603) 743-140011 Town Hall RoadTelescope lending (NH Astronomical Society Library Telescope Program) →Plaistow Public LibraryPlaistow, New Hampshire · (603) 382-601185 Main StreetLibrary of Things — borrowable tools and specialty equipment →Sandown Public LibrarySandown, New Hampshire · (603) 887-3428305 Main StreetLibrary of Things: tools, drones, metal detectors, kitchen equipment →
New Jersey · 1 library
New Mexico · 2 libraries
Capitan Public LibraryCapitan, New Mexico · (575) 354-3035101 E. 2nd StreetAdult Book Club, Bingo Night, Board Game Night, Writers Group, and Genealogy Workshops — rich programming for a small-town library →Magdalena Public LibraryMagdalena, New Mexico · (575) 854-2361108 North Main StreetLibrary of Things: games, gardening tools and more (camping gear coming soon) →
New York · 4 libraries
Bellmore Memorial LibraryBellmore, New York · (516) 785-29902288 Bedford AvenueLibrary of Things — lawn games, electronics, instruments and more (7-day loan, cardholders 18+) →Lake Placid Public LibraryLake Placid, New York · (518) 523-32002471 Main StreetLibrary of Things lending collection →Long Beach Public LibraryLong Beach, New York · (516) 432-7201111 West Park AvenueLibrary of Things borrowing (Nintendo Switch, telescope and more via museumkey.com) →Hamilton Grange LibraryNew York, New York · (212) 926-2147503 West 145th StreetSTEAM Discovery Kits to borrow — hands-on robotics, circuitry, microbiology, engineering and coding tools for kids and tweens →
North Dakota · 1 library
Ohio · 1 library
Oklahoma · 1 library
Oregon · 7 libraries
Albany Public LibraryAlbany, Oregon · (541) 917-75802450 14th Avenue SELibrary of Things — borrow equipment and non-book items →Beaverton City LibraryBeaverton, Oregon · (503) 644-219712375 SW Fifth StreetCheckout of books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, puzzles, and Library of Things items →Ledding LibraryMilwaukie, Oregon · (503) 786-758010660 SE 21st AvenueLibrary of Things — tools, equipment, and household items for borrowing →Cedar Mill Community LibraryPortland, Oregon · (503) 644-00431080 NW Saltzman RoadLibrary of Things: board games, musical instruments, sports equipment (pickleball), STEM/coding robots, laptops, and hotspots →Midland Library — Multnomah County LibraryPortland, Oregon · (503) 988-5123805 SE 122nd AvenuePrograms include ESL classes, sewing groups, guitar and ukulele lessons, and children's Tiny Tots storytimes →The Dalles-Wasco County LibraryThe Dalles, Oregon · (541) 296-2815722 Court StreetLibrary of Things: acoustic guitar, turntable, iPad, Wi-Fi hotspot, disc golf kit, green screen →West Linn Public LibraryWest Linn, Oregon · (503) 656-78531595 Burns StreetLibrary of Things — borrow equipment, games and non-book items →
Pennsylvania · 9 libraries
B.F. Jones Memorial LibraryAliquippa, Pennsylvania · (724) 375-2900663 Franklin AvenueLibrary of Things collection (unique items beyond books and media) →Bethel-Tulpehocken Public LibraryBethel, Pennsylvania · (717) 933-40608601 Lancaster AvenueYear-round book donations accepted (books, DVDs/Blu-rays, board games, puzzles) →Easton Area Public LibraryEaston, Pennsylvania · (610) 258-2917515 Church StreetBoard game and video game lending →Lititz Public LibraryLititz, Pennsylvania · (717) 626-2255651 Kissel Hill RoadLibrary of Things — borrow non-traditional items beyond books →Lawrenceville BranchPittsburgh, Pennsylvania · (412) 682-3668279 Fisk StreetLibrary of Things items available through the CLP catalog →Main Library (Oakland)Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · (412) 622-31144400 Forbes AvenueLibrary of Things lending (tools, games, equipment) →South Side BranchPittsburgh, Pennsylvania · (412) 431-05052205 East Carson StreetLibrary of Things — borrow non-traditional items including tools, musical instruments, and more through the CLP system →Reading Public LibraryReading, Pennsylvania · (610) 655-6350100 S. Fifth StreetLibrary of Things item lending →Tredyffrin Public LibraryStrafford, Pennsylvania · (610) 688-7092582 Upper Gulph RoadLibrary of Things — borrow items beyond traditional books and media →
Rhode Island · 4 libraries
Barrington Public LibraryBarrington, Rhode Island · (401) 247-1920281 County RoadLibrary of Things — borrow unexpected items from the circulating collection →Cranston Public LibraryCranston, Rhode Island · (401) 943-9080140 Sockanosset Cross RoadCool Tools DIY-equipment lending collection →Newport Public LibraryNewport, Rhode Island · (401) 847-8720300 Spring StreetLibrary of Things (telescopes, sewing machines, sergers, analog-to-digital converters) →Rochambeau LibraryProvidence, Rhode Island · (401) 272-3780708 Hope StreetMakerspace with 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, sublimation printer and sewing machines →
South Carolina · 3 libraries
Anderson Main LibraryAnderson, South Carolina · (864) 260-4500300 N. McDuffie St.Electric City Creative makerspace (ages 12+): Cricut, large-format printer, sublimation printer, sewing machines, heat press, Adobe Creative Cloud →Richland Library — MainColumbia, South Carolina · (803) 799-90841431 Assembly StreetLibrary of Things — cameras, projectors, tools, sewing machines, coding/robotics kits, zoo passes (cardholders 18+ with waiver) →Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial LibraryEasley, South Carolina · (864) 850-7077304 Biltmore RoadLibrary of Things — lending of non-traditional items beyond books →
South Dakota · 1 library
Tennessee · 2 libraries
C. E. Weldon Public LibraryMartin, Tennessee · (731) 587-3148410 South Lindell StreetLibrary of Things: guitars, banjo, podcasting equipment, sewing machines, shop vac, snow machine, balloon inflator, and more →Blount County Public LibraryMaryville, Tennessee · (865) 982-0981508 North Cusick StreetTeen Room with art supplies, board games, a PS5 and a Nintendo Switch →
Texas · 6 libraries
Lakewood Branch LibraryDallas, Texas · (214) 670-13766121 Worth StreetBoard games available for in-library play →Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch LibraryDallas, Texas · (214) 670-03442922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.Board games for in-library play →Vickery Park Branch LibraryDallas, Texas · (214) 671-21018333 Park LaneBoard games for in-library play →Harris County Public LibraryHouston, Texas · (713) 274-66005749 South Loop EastMaker Central at Administrative Offices (by appointment): 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, Cricut & vinyl cutters, sewing machines, resin printer, and 3D scanner →Lillie Russell Memorial LibraryLindale, Texas · (903) 882-1900200 East Hubbard StreetLibrary of Things: T-Mobile hotspots, board games, Sprouts Early Learning Backpacks, Seed Library →Pasadena Public Library: CentralPasadena, Texas · (713) 477-02761201 Jeff Ginn Memorial DriveMaker Lab with 3D printers, laser cutter, sewing machines, and Cricut heat press (Central branch only; orientation required) →
Utah · 3 libraries
Whitmore LibraryCottonwood Heights, Utah · (801) 943-46362197 E Fort Union BlvdLibrary of Things — specialty items available for checkout →Orem Public LibraryOrem, Utah · (801) 229-705058 North State StreetMakerSpace: 3D printing, sewing machines, craft cutters, and Adobe Creative Cloud workstations →Sprague BranchSalt Lake City, Utah · (801) 594-86402131 South 1100 EastCreative Lab: 3D printer, Cricut machine, heat press, sewing machine, podcasting and recording software, Adobe Creative Cloud, photography and video equipment →
Vermont · 4 libraries
Brooks Memorial LibraryBrattleboro, Vermont · (802) 254-5290224 Main StreetLibrary of Things — e-bikes (summer), garden tools, kitchen supplies, snowshoes & more →Lawrence Memorial LibraryBristol, Vermont · (802) 453-236674 Munsill AvenueLibrary of Things lending collection →Burnham Memorial LibraryColchester, Vermont · (802) 264-5660898 Main StreetLibrary of Things with maker and skill kits →Brownell LibraryEssex Junction, Vermont · (802) 878-69556 Lincoln StreetLibrary of Things — tools, gadgets, games and equipment for checkout →
Washington · 1 library
West Virginia · 2 libraries
Kanawha County Public LibraryCharleston, West Virginia · (304) 343-4646123 Capitol StreetTool Lending Library (WV's only) — hand & power tools, 14-day loan, Main Library only →Clarksburg-Harrison Public LibraryClarksburg, West Virginia · (304) 627-2236404 W. Pike StreetTool Lending Library — garden tools, power sets, mechanic kits, rotary tools (adults 18+) →
Wisconsin · 2 libraries
Brown County Central LibraryGreen Bay, Wisconsin · (920) 448-4400515 Pine StreetPublic MakerSpace (3D printing, sewing machines & creative tech, in partnership with Proto) →Greenfield Public LibraryGreenfield, Wisconsin · (414) 321-95955310 West Layton AvenueLibrary of Things (pickleball & disc golf sets, yard games, gardening & tile kits, hotspots, Kindles, cake pans, VHS-to-digital converter) →
FAQ
What can I borrow from a Library of Things?
It varies by library, but common categories include tools (power, hand and gardening), telescopes and binoculars, sewing and craft machines, musical instruments, board games and puzzles, kitchen and baking equipment, STEM and robotics kits, metal detectors, projectors and Wi-Fi hotspots. Each library publishes its own list.
Is the Library of Things free?
Yes — borrowing is free with your library card, just like books. A few high-value items may require a refundable deposit or carry replacement fees if returned damaged or incomplete, but there is normally no rental charge.
How long can I keep a “thing”?
Loan periods are usually shorter than for books — often one to three weeks, and sometimes just a few days for popular equipment. Many libraries also limit how many items you can borrow at once so everyone gets a turn.
Do I need a special membership?
No. A standard, free library card is normally all you need, though some libraries set a minimum age or require the cardholder (not a minor) to check out high-value items.
What happens if I lose or break something?
Tell the library right away. Policies vary: many will repair or replace inexpensive parts, while high-value items may carry a replacement fee or use the deposit you paid. Returning things clean, complete and on time avoids charges.
New to libraries? Learn how to get a library card in any U.S. state, or find a branch near you in the public library directory.
By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com