A Library of Things can take many shapes but is at its core a non-traditional lending collection of useful and/or entertaining items. A Library of Things can also cut down on the duplication of tools or resources in a community, saving neighbors money — or provide access one can’t afford in the first place — while reducing material waste.
With support from FreeportCAN – who offered the initial spark of conversation and has assisted with the brainstorming and sourcing of items – FCL’s Library of Things supports ideas important to both organizations: to promote curiosity, discovery, informed citizenship, and life-long learning; and to empower citizens to take action to reduce the impact of our consumer behavior on climate change through sustainable consumption.
OUR LIBRARY OF THINGS
View a categorized list of Library of Things below and click on the images to learn more about them or head straight to a list of Freeport’s Library of Things in the Minerva catalog.
Home Improvement
Air Quality Monitor
Digital Radon Detector
Electricity Monitor
Memory Kits
Memory Kit – Summer
Outdoors & Gardening
Binoculars
Vermicomposting Harvesting Kit
Technology & Entertainment
Android Chargers
Digital Cameras
External CD/DVD Drive
Food Dehydrator
Hotspots
iPhone Chargers
Knitting Needles
Nintendo Switch
Tonies and Tonieboxes
Toys & Games
American Girl Doll – Luciana
Card Game Kit
PAW Patrol Operation Game
Snap Circuits Beginner
Snap Circuits Jr.
HOW TO BORROW THINGS
Who can borrow Things?
The Library of Things collection is freely available to FCL cardholders ages 18+ in good standing with no unresolved billed items; please be aware that courtesy Teacher and Student cards are not eligible to borrow Things.
How do I request a Thing?
- Online – Place a hold for an item in our Library of Things in the Minerva catalog.
- Phone – Call 207-865-3307 during business hours if you need help placing a hold.
- In-person – Check the Library of Things shelves in our library. If the item isn’t available, you can place a hold on it.
How long can I borrow a Thing?
- Most items, except for the hotspots, may be borrowed for 3-week intervals and cannot be renewed.
- Hotspots may be checked out for one week and cannot be renewed.
Is there anything else I need to know?
- Review our Library of Things Lending Policy
- The borrower is solely responsible for the Thing and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss (including peripherals) due to neglect or abuse.
- All items must be picked up at and returned to our main lending desk; do not return items in a book drop.