Patrons can borrow tools, umbrellas or even a pair of snowshoes
By Barb Pert Templeton
Have you ever considered stopping by the local library to borrow a leaf blower or a battery charger? How about a game console or a musical instrument?
All of that’s possible today with the new Library of Things Program via the St. Clair County Library System (SCCLS). The best part is the price is right too – it’s free of charge, not even a deposit is required to borrow any of the equipment.
An Aug. 3 press release from the library shared details about the new program. Borrowing items is an exclusive perk for SCCLS cardholders and is available only to SCCLS cardholders aged 18 and older.
While borrowing is free, borrowers are solely responsible for the materials and will be billed for the repair or replacement cost associated with any damage or loss, excluding normal wear and tear.
Library of Things items can be checked out for two weeks and patrons can borrow up to five items at one time.
The new Library of Things Program allows patrons to borrow a wide variety of items
Here is an example of categories and items that can be borrowed:
· Hobbies & Entertainment: Metal detectors, record players, gaming consoles, musical instruments, and karaoke machines.
· Outdoor Activities: snowshoes & trekking poles, sleds, umbrellas, yard games, tents, coolers, and camping chairs
· Practical Tools: Handy equipment like post drivers, collapsible wagons, leaf blowers, and battery chargers
The press release also notes that the physical collection is housed at the main branch in Port Huron, but items can be sent to any branch for patrons to pick up.
All items must be returned directly to library staff from the exact St. Clair County Library System branch where the item was borrowed. Items may not be returned via book drops or left outside any library facility.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with St. Clair County Library Community Relations and Friend Development Coordinator Mike Mercatante to pose some additional questions about the new program.
Blue Water Healthy Living: How did the idea for the Library of Things come to the St. Clair County Library System?
All of the items for the Library of Things are currently being stored at the library’s main branch in Port Huron but requests for items can be made at any location and the item will be sent there for patrons to pick up.
St. Clair County Library Community Relations and Friend Development Coordinator Mike Mercatante: We’ve had a small Library of Things in the past where our branches would have fishing poles and tackle boxes to check out. When our last millage passed with tremendous support, we were able to greatly expand the Library of Things collection as well as other services.
BWHL: Is this an established program at other libraries around the state?
Mike Mercatante: Many libraries have some form of a Library of Things. The concept dates back to the 1800s but I believe it has really gained traction in the 21st century.
BWHL: Has the program been successful?
Mercatante: Yes.
BWHL: How did you decide what items would be available to borrow?
Mercatante: We gauged public interest, practicality, as well as consulted other successful library programs. Now that we have an initial collection, we will curate it like all of our collections based on use and interest.
BWHL: Where do the items come from in the Library of Things?
Mercatante: We purchase them from reputable vendors.
BWHL: Are the items brand new?
Mercatante: Yes.
BWHL: Can people donate gently used items to the Library of Things from their own households?
Mercatante: No. Space restrictions limit us only to what we purchase.
BWHL: Leaf blowers, sleds and musical instruments make the list of items to borrow, where is the library storing all these things?
Mercatante: Right now, the collection resides at the Main Library in Port Huron. Many empty book storage shelves are now brimming over with the Library of Things. Even though the collection is housed in Port Huron, patrons can request items and have them sent to their home branch.
BWHL: When was the program launched and have people been utilizing it yet?
Mercatante: The SCCLS Library of Things program launched August 3rd and has been really successful, so far. We’re very happy with the response and look forward to the many possibilities of expansion.
