Library of Things: What You Can Borrow (396 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.

📍 Browse by state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

How it works

  1. Browse the “Library of Things” catalog. Check the library’s website or catalog for what it lends — every library’s collection is different.
  2. Reserve the item with your card. Popular things (telescopes, projectors, tools) get booked ahead, so place a hold.
  3. Pick it up at the desk. Some items come in a case with instructions or accessories — check that everything is included.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 · 7 libraries

Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun CountyANNISTON, Alabama · +1 256-237-8501108 EAST 10TH STREETLibrary of Things collection →Tupper Lightfoot Memorial LibraryBRUNDIDGE, Alabama · +1 334-735-2145164 SOUTH MAIN STREETTools Center (equipment lending) →North Shelby LibraryBirmingham, Alabama · (205) 439-55005521 Cahaba Valley RoadLibrary of Things: science kits, kitchen items, electronics, jumper cables →

+4 more Alabama libraries with this service — see the full Alabama directory.

Alaska · 6 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 →Kenai Community LibraryKENAI, Alaska · +1-907-283-4378163 MAIN STREET LOOPLibrary of Things (tools, craft kits, and more) →Kodiak Public LibraryKodiak, Alaska · (907) 486-8686612 Egan WayTool Library — borrow useful household and project tools →

+3 more Alaska libraries with this service — see the full Alaska directory.

Arizona · 4 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) →Prescott Valley Public LibraryPRESCOTT VALLEY, Arizona · +1 928 759 30407401 E SKOOG BLVDLibrary of Things — tools, games, and specialty equipment for loan →

+1 more Arizona library with this service — see the full Arizona directory.

Arkansas · 10 libraries

See all 10 →

Bella Vista Public LibraryBella Vista, Arkansas · (479) 855-175311 Dickens PlaceLibrary of Things lending collection — practical items available for checkout →Bentonville Public LibraryBentonville, Arkansas · (479) 271-3192405 South Main StreetLibrary of Things: tools, equipment, devices, and specialty items →Boone County LibraryHarrison, Arkansas · (870) 741-5913221 W. Stephenson AveTelescope lending program →

California · 9 libraries

See all 9 →

Altadena Library DistrictALTADENA, California · (626) 798-0833600 E. MARIPOSA ST.Library of Things (borrowable objects) →American Canyon LibraryAmerican Canyon, California · (707) 644-1136300 Crawford WayLibrary of Things lending (musical instruments, cooking supplies, record players) →Buena Park Library DistrictBUENA PARK, California · +1-714-826-41007150 LA PALMA AVE.Library of Things (tool, game & specialty item lending) →

Colorado · 15 libraries

See all 15 →

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 →

Connecticut · 13 libraries

See all 13 →

Burnham LibraryBRIDGEWATER, Connecticut · +1860-354-693762 MAIN STREET SOUTHLibrary of Things — borrow household and recreational items →Canterbury Public LibraryCANTERBURY, Connecticut · +1860-546-90221 MUNICIPAL DRIVELibrary of Things — tools, Launchpads and specialty items for checkout →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 →

Delaware · 2 libraries

Milford Public LibraryMilford, Delaware · (302) 422-899611 SE Front StreetLibrary of Things — borrow tools, gadgets and more →Duck Creek Regional LibrarySmyrna, Delaware · (302) 653-457922 South Main StreetLibrary of Things — borrow non-traditional items →

District of Columbia · 1 library

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial LibraryWashington, District of Columbia · (202) 727-0321901 G Street NWThe Labs: recording studios, dance studio, tool library, maker equipment →

Florida · 5 libraries

Walton-DeFuniak LibraryDefuniak Springs, Florida · (850) 892-36243 Circle DriveSTEAM kits and telescope loans →Suwannee River Regional Library — Live OakLIVE OAK, Florida · +1-386-362-23171848 OHIO AVENUE SOUTHLibrary of Things collection →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 →

+2 more Florida libraries with this service — see the full Florida directory.

Georgia · 2 libraries

Dougherty County Public Library — Central LibraryAlbany, Georgia · (229) 420-3200300 Pine AvenueLibrary of Things: equipment and devices available for checkout →LaGrange Memorial LibraryLaGrange, Georgia · (706) 882-7784115 Alford StreetA makerspace stocked with 3D printers, Cricut machines, an engraver, die-cutting and sewing machines, a wood-burning tool and a Memory Lab for digitizing old media →

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 →

+1 more Idaho library with this service — see the full Idaho directory.

Illinois · 16 libraries

See all 16 →

Algonquin Area Public Library DistrictALGONQUIN, Illinois · (847) 458-60602600 Harnish DriveLibrary of Things — borrow equipment and everyday items →Addison Public LibraryAddison, Illinois · (630) 543-36174 Friendship PlazaLibrary of Things — Wi-Fi hotspots, board games, crafting tools and more →Alpha Park Public LibraryBARTONVILLE, Illinois · +1309-697-38223527 SOUTH AIRPORT ROADLibrary of Things: Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, tablets, cameras, board games, yard games, video games, emergency jump starter →

Indiana · 6 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 →

+3 more Indiana libraries with this service — see the full Indiana directory.

Iowa · 8 libraries

See all 8 →

Jefferson Public LibraryJefferson, Iowa · (515) 386-2835150 N 2nd StreetLibrary of Things: memory kits, puzzles, community displays →Moravia Public LibraryMORAVIA, Iowa · (641) 724-3440100 E CHARITONLends iPads, Chromebooks, board games, puzzles and movies in addition to books →Mason City Public LibraryMason City, Iowa · (641) 421-3668225 2nd Street SELibrary of Things — borrowable non-book items →

Kansas · 3 libraries

Coffey County Library — Burlington BranchBurlington, Kansas · (620) 364-5333410 Juniatta StreetLibrary of Things (Hoopla digital + physical specialty items) →Palco Public LibraryPalco, Kansas · 785-737-4286208 Main StreetCirculating collection: books, audiobooks, DVDs, board games, video games, magazines, cake pans →Phillipsburg City LibraryPhillipsburg, Kansas · 785-543-5325888 4th StreetCirculating books, large-print, audiobooks, DVDs, board games, video games, puzzles, cake pans & pickleball kits →

Kentucky · 7 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) →

+4 more Kentucky libraries with this service — see the full Kentucky directory.

Louisiana · 4 libraries

Beauregard Parish LibraryDERIDDER, Louisiana · +1337-463-6217205 SOUTH WASHINGTON AVENUELibrary of Things: microscopes, telescopes, telehealth aids, wellness kits →Livingston Parish LibraryLIVINGSTON, Louisiana · +1 225-686-416020390 IOWA STREETLibrary of Things (equipment lending) →West Feliciana Parish LibrarySt. Francisville, Louisiana · (225) 635-33645114 Burnett RoadLibrary of Things specialty lending collection →

+1 more Louisiana library with this service — see the full Louisiana directory.

Maine · 6 libraries

Acton Public LibraryACTON, Maine · (207) 636-278135 H RoadLibrary of Things (specialty lending) →Auburn Public LibraryAuburn, Maine · (207) 333-664049 Spring StreetLibrary of Things lending collection →Bangor Public LibraryBANGOR, Maine · +1207-947-8336145 HARLOW STREETLibrary of Things (equipment, electronics, maker kits) →

+3 more Maine libraries with this service — see the full Maine directory.

Maryland · 8 libraries

See all 8 →

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 →

Massachusetts · 17 libraries

See all 17 →

Agawam Public LibraryAGAWAM, Massachusetts · (413) 789-1550750 COOPER STREETLibrary of Things lending collection →Stevens Memorial LibraryASHBURNHAM, Massachusetts · (978) 827-411520 Memorial Drive"Menu of Things" Library of Things collection for borrowing specialty items →Belding Memorial LibraryASHFIELD, Massachusetts · +1413-628-4414344 Main StreetLibrary of Things — non-traditional item lending →

Michigan · 33 libraries

See all 33 →

Allendale Township LibraryAllendale, Michigan · (616) 895-41786175 Library LaneLibrary of Things — tools, equipment and specialty lending →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 →Auburn Hills Public LibraryAuburn Hills, Michigan · (248) 370-94663400 East Seyburn DriveLibrary of Things (games, puzzles, projectors, cameras, Nintendo Switch Lite, walkie-talkies) →

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 · 3 libraries

Lincoln County LibraryBROOKHAVEN, Mississippi · +1601-833-3369100 SOUTH JACKSON STREETLibrary of Things and specialty borrowing items →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 →

Missouri · 13 libraries

See all 13 →

Clever Community Branch LibraryClever, Missouri · (417) 743-22777428 W Veterans BlvdLibrary of Things lending collection →Farmington Public LibraryFarmington, Missouri · (573) 756-5779101 North A StreetLibrary of Things: fishing rods & tackle boxes (Missouri Conservation loaner program) →Missouri River Regional LibraryJEFFERSON CITY, Missouri · +1 573-634-2464214 ADAMS STLibrary of Things borrowable items →

Montana · 8 libraries

See all 8 →

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) →George McCone Memorial County LibraryCIRCLE, Montana · +1406-485-23501101 C AVENUEPhysical book, DVD, CD, audiobook, board game, and PlayAway lending →

Nebraska · 3 libraries

Hoesch Memorial Public LibraryALMA, Nebraska · (308) 928-26001119 SECOND STREETPolaroid cameras and cake pans available for borrowing (Library of Things) →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 · 2 libraries

Boulder City LibraryBoulder City, Nevada · (702) 293-1281701 Adams BoulevardLibrary of Things program — borrowable tools, games, and specialty items →Humboldt County LibraryWinnemucca, Nevada · (775) 623-638885 E 5th StreetLibrary of Things: Chromebooks (in-library use), Wi-Fi hotspots, e-readers, wellness kits, storytime kits →

New Hampshire · 9 libraries

See all 9 →

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 →Holderness Free LibraryHOLDERNESS, New Hampshire · +1603-968-7066866 US ROUTE 3Library of Things — borrowable equipment and non-book items →

New Jersey · 25 libraries

See all 25 →

Cherry Hill Public LibraryCherry Hill, New Jersey · (856) 667-03001100 Kings Highway NorthLibrary of Things — musical instruments, electronics, arts & craft kits, nature exploration kits, games →Clark Public LibraryClark, New Jersey · (732) 388-5999303 Westfield AvenueLibrary of Things: hotspots, Chromebooks, iPads, VOX books and Tonies for checkout →Cranford Public LibraryCranford, New Jersey · 908-709-7272224 Walnut AvenueLibrary of Things →

New Mexico · 5 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 →Octavia Fellin Public LibraryGallup, New Mexico · (505) 863-1291115 West Hill AvenueMakerSpace: 3D printing (Ultimaker), laser engraving, Cricut, electronic kiln, sewing machines, button makers →Mesa Public LibraryLos Alamos, New Mexico · (505) 662-82502400 Central AvenueLibrary of Things (tool lending) →

+2 more New Mexico libraries with this service — see the full New Mexico directory.

New York · 7 libraries

Boston Free LibraryBOSTON, New York · +1716-941-35169475 BOSTON STATE ROADLibrary of Things (20+ items: cameras, telescopes, yard games, converters & more) →Bellmore Memorial LibraryBellmore, New York · (516) 785-29902288 Bedford AvenueLibrary of Things — lawn games, electronics, instruments and more (7-day loan, cardholders 18+) →Tompkins County Public LibraryITHACA, New York · +1 607-272-4557101 EAST GREEN STREETMakerspace: 3D printers, laser cutter/engraver, Cricut Maker, embroidery machine, sewing machines →

+4 more New York libraries with this service — see the full New York directory.

North Carolina · 1 library

Catawba County LibraryNEWTON, North Carolina · (828) 465-8664115 West C StreetTechConnect makerspace (3D printer, digital cutter, large-format printer, sewing machine, GoPro cameras) →

North Dakota · 3 libraries

Bowman Regional Public LibraryBOWMAN, North Dakota · +1701-523-379718 DIVIDE STREET EASTLibrary of Things: kayaks, telescopes, board games, museum passes, state-parks passes →Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public LibraryBismarck, North Dakota · (701) 355-1480515 N 5th StreetLibrary of Things lending (including birdwatching kits) →Alfred Dickey Public LibraryJAMESTOWN, North Dakota · (701) 252-2990105 THIRD STREET SELibrary of Things: tools, games, bakeware, and state park passes →

Ohio · 2 libraries

Ashtabula County District LibraryASHTABULA, Ohio · +1440-997-93414335 Park AveLibrary of Things lending — tools and specialty items for checkout →New Straitsville Public LibraryNew Straitsville, Ohio · (740) 394-2717102 East Main StreetCirculating library of things: board games, bakeware, sporting equipment, sewing machines, video games →

Oklahoma · 2 libraries

Bartlesville Public LibraryBartlesville, Oklahoma · (918) 338-4161600 S. Johnstone AvenueLibrary of Things (STEM kits, LaunchPads, board games, cake pans) →Lawton Public LibraryLAWTON, Oklahoma · 580-581-3450110 SW 4TH STREETLibrary of Things — puzzles, specialty items and community-use equipment for borrowing →

Oregon · 26 libraries

See all 26 →

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 →Canby Public LibraryCanby, Oregon · (503) 266-3394220 NE 2nd AvenueLibrary of Things — borrow practical items beyond books →

Pennsylvania · 11 libraries

See all 11 →

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 →

Rhode Island · 9 libraries

See all 9 →

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 →Greenville Public LibraryGreenville, Rhode Island · (401) 949-3630573 Putnam PikeLibrary of Things — borrowable items including fishing poles, telescope, digital projector, ukulele, jewelry kit, puzzles, and more →

South Carolina · 7 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 →Beaufort County Library — Beaufort BranchBEAUFORT, South Carolina · 843-255-6456311 Scott StreetUnique lending items — ukuleles, blood pressure kits, and WonderBooks available alongside books and DVDs →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) →

+4 more South Carolina libraries with this service — see the full South Carolina directory.

South Dakota · 3 libraries

Brookings Public LibraryBrookings, South Dakota · (605) 692-9407515 3rd StreetBook, audiobook, DVD, board game, video game and yard game checkout →Madison Public LibraryMadison, South Dakota · (605) 256-7525209 E. Center StreetLibrary of Things lending collection →Yankton Community LibraryYankton, South Dakota · (605) 668-5275515 Walnut StreetLibrary of Things: Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, Toy Bins and Book Club Kits for checkout →

Tennessee · 7 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 →Bordeaux Branch LibraryNashville, Tennessee · (615) 862-58564000 Clarksville PikeBoard game collection →

+4 more Tennessee libraries with this service — see the full Tennessee directory.

Texas · 9 libraries

See all 9 →

Andrews County LibraryANDREWS, Texas · (432) 523-9819109 NW 1ST STLibrary of Things — borrow non-book items with your card →Bowie Public LibraryBowie, Texas · (940) 872-2681301 Walnut StreetMore than 32,000 items including books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, board games, and digital resources →Lakewood Branch LibraryDallas, Texas · (214) 670-13766121 Worth StreetBoard games available for in-library play →

Utah · 4 libraries

Whitmore LibraryCottonwood Heights, Utah · (801) 943-46362197 E Fort Union BlvdLibrary of Things — specialty items available for checkout →Garland Public LibraryGARLAND, Utah · (435) 257-316186 West Factory StreetTelescope lending program →Orem Public LibraryOrem, Utah · (801) 229-705058 North State StreetMakerSpace: 3D printing, sewing machines, craft cutters, and Adobe Creative Cloud workstations →

+1 more Utah library with this service — see the full Utah directory.

Vermont · 8 libraries

See all 8 →

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 →

Virginia · 7 libraries

Colonial Heights Public LibraryColonial Heights, Virginia · (804) 520-93841000 Yacht Basin DriveCirculating puzzles, board games & Virginia State Parks exploration backpacks →Massanutten Regional LibraryHarrisonburg, Virginia · (540) 434-4475174 South Main StreetLibrary of Things non-traditional borrowing collection →Appomattox Regional Library — Hopewell BranchHopewell, Virginia · (804) 458-6329209 East Cawson StreetLibrary of Things: blood pressure kits, Nintendo Switch games, art supply kits, nature backpacks with Virginia State Parks passes →

+4 more Virginia libraries with this service — see the full Virginia directory.

Washington · 5 libraries

Anacortes Public LibraryAnacortes, Washington · (360) 293-19101220 10th StreetLibrary of Things lending collection and Fidalgo Seed Library seed checkout →Asotin County Library — Downtown BranchClarkston, Washington · 509-758-5454417 Sycamore St.Library of Things borrowing →Lopez Island LibraryLopez Island, Washington · (360) 468-22652225 Fisherman Bay RoadGames Library — board games and card games for checkout →

+2 more Washington libraries with this service — see the full Washington directory.

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 · 23 libraries

See all 23 →

Argyle Public LibraryARGYLE, Wisconsin · +1608-543-3193401 E. MILWAUKEELibrary of Things lending collection →Cedarburg Public LibraryCedarburg, Wisconsin · (262) 375-7640W63 N589 Hanover Ave.Library of Things — cookware, needle-arts kits, and tech devices to borrow →Chilton Public LibraryChilton, Wisconsin · (920) 849-4414221 Park St.Library of Things collection →

Wyoming · 4 libraries

Natrona County LibraryCASPER, Wyoming · +1-307-577-7323307 EAST 2NDLibrary of Things (tool & equipment lending) →Teton County LibraryJackson, Wyoming · (307) 733-2164125 Virginian LaneLibrary of Things lending program →Sublette County LibraryPINEDALE, Wyoming · +1307-367-4114155 S Tyler AveLibrary of Things — tools, kitchen equipment, technology, outdoor gear and more →

+1 more Wyoming library with this service — see the full Wyoming directory.

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

Go up