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
Electricity Monitor
Digital Radon Detector
Memory Kits
Memory Kit – Summer
Outdoors & Gardening
Binoculars
Vermicomposting Harvesting Kit
Technology & Entertainment
Android Chargers
iPhone Chargers
External CD/DVD Drive
Food Dehydrator
Hotspots
Nintendo Switch
Toys
American Girl Doll – Luciana
Snap Circuits Beginner
Snap Circuits Jr.
HOW TO BORROW THINGS
Who can borrow Things?
The Library of Things collection is freely available to all FCL cardholders ages 18+ in good standing with no unresolved billed items.
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 renewed up to 2 times unless other patrons have requested that item.
- 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.