Library of Things at Illinois Libraries (12 Verified)

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🧰 Illinois · a Library of Things

Library of Things at Libraries in Illinois

Want to borrow a tool, telescope, sewing machine or board game in Illinois? These 12 public libraries have lending a Library of Things verified on their official pages — free to borrow with your library card, no purchase needed.

12 librariesTools · Tech · Kits · Games
📁 The list📝 How it works❓ FAQ

We have verified 12 public libraries in Illinois offering a Library of Things, across 6 cities — including Chicago, Addison, Bloomington, Champaign, Normal. Each links to that library’s page with its address, hours and phone so you can confirm the service and any fees.

A few worth knowing in Illinois:

  • Champaign Public Library · Champaign — The Studio: 3D printing, Glowforge laser cutter, Cricut machines, sewing machines, recording booths (Main Library)
  • Normal Public Library · Normal — Seed Library (since 2014) and seed swaps, plus a Library of Things lending gadgets, tools and equipment
  • West Loop Branch · Chicago — Library of Things — borrow tools, kitchen equipment, musical instruments and more

💡 Good to know: Loan periods for “things” are usually shorter than for books and popular items (telescopes, projectors, power tools) go fast — place a hold in advance and check whether your item needs a deposit or has a replacement fee for lost parts.

Illinois libraries with a Library of Things — 12 verified

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 →Champaign Public LibraryCHAMPAIGN, Illinois · (217) 403-2070200 West Green StreetThe Studio: 3D printing, Glowforge laser cutter, Cricut machines, sewing machines, recording booths (Main Library) →Albany Park Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (773) 539-54503401 W. Foster AvenueLibrary of Things equipment lending →Altgeld Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (312) 747-3270955 E. 131st StreetLibrary of Things equipment lending →Clearing Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (312) 747-56576423 West 63rd PlaceLibrary of Things — equipment lending →Coleman Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (312) 747-7760731 East 63rd StreetLibrary of Things — borrow tools, games, and household equipment →Douglass Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (312) 747-37253353 West 13th StreetFishing poles available for checkout — part of CPL's Library of Things program →Rogers Park BranchChicago, Illinois · (312) 744-01566907 N. Clark StreetLibrary of Things: fishing poles for lakefront use →West Loop BranchChicago, Illinois · (312) 744-2995122 N. Aberdeen StreetLibrary of Things — borrow tools, kitchen equipment, musical instruments and more →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 →River Forest Public LibraryRiver Forest, Illinois · (708) 366-5205735 Lathrop AvenueLibrary of Things collection for checkout →

📝 How to borrow from a Library of Things in Illinois

  1. Browse the “Library of Things” catalog. Check the library’s website or catalog for what it lends — every {state} library’s collection is different.
  2. Reserve the item with your card. Popular things — telescopes, projectors, power tools — get booked ahead, so place a hold early.
  3. Pick it up at the desk. Some items come in a case with instructions or accessories; check that everything is included when you collect it.
  4. Use it, then return it on time. Loan periods are usually shorter than for books, and libraries often limit how many things you can borrow at once.
  5. Report any problems. Tell staff if something is damaged or a part is missing — some items carry a deposit or a replacement fee.

New to this? See the national guide on how a Library of Things works.

Frequently asked questions

Which Illinois cities have libraries with Library of Things?

We have verified 12 across 6 cities in Illinois: Chicago, Addison, Bloomington, Champaign, Normal, River Forest. Open any library’s page above for its address, hours and phone.

How many Illinois libraries offer Library of Things?

We have confirmed 12 Illinois public libraries with a Library of Things, each verified from its official information. We add more as we confirm them, so the count can grow — or browse the full national list.

What makes Champaign Public Library in Champaign notable for Library of Things?

The Studio: 3D printing, Glowforge laser cutter, Cricut machines, sewing machines, recording booths (Main Library). See its full page for hours, address and phone.

Is Library of Things available at Normal Public Library in Normal?

Seed Library (since 2014) and seed swaps, plus a Library of Things lending gadgets, tools and equipment. See its full page for hours, address and phone.

Keep exploring

🧰 All U.S. libraries with a Library of Things →📍 All public libraries in Illinois →

Services verified from each library’s official information during our 2026 review. Fees and availability can change — confirm on the library’s page before visiting.

← See all states: Library of Things at the Library

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