SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is excited to announce a new pilot program at the Milpitas Library. The Library of Things offers patrons the opportunity to borrow a variety of items including kitchen equipment, hobby kits, health and wellness items, technology items and cool things for kids. All of these “Things” are free to borrow with a SCCLD library card.
“The Library of Things allows patrons to discover new tools and devices to help them learn, create and connect,” said Milpitas Community Librarian Kelly McKean. “Perhaps you only want to try something once, or you want to try something before you buy, these Things can save you money and space.”
Some of the popular items include a hot pot with grill, sous vide equipment, Go Pro 11, Tonieboxes, and kits for bird watching, sewing and making music. The collection may be modified at a later date to meet the community need.
Things are available to check out at the Milpitas Library for up to three weeks. Things cannot be put on hold, sent to another library or renewed. Patrons can see what items are available on the SCCLD website or at a display station in the Milpitas Library lobby. Things must be checked out at the Accounts Desk at the Milpitas Library. Only one Thing can be checked out at a time. Patrons will need to sign a lending agreement to check out Things. Patrons must also be 18 years old or older, and have a full use Santa Clara County Library District library card. Things must be returned to the Milpitas Library Accounts Desk for the next person to enjoy.
“The ‘Library of Things/Lending Library’ concept has grown in popularity throughout the US,” explained County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “Milpitas Library is spearheading this new effort as part of our strategic plan which allows us to explore the feasibility of this special lending library at one location before possible expansion.”
Staff from Milpitas Library reached out and worked with libraries all over the Bay Area to find their best practices regarding Libraries of Things/Lending Libraries. Staff also attended conferences and webinars, learning from others who have developed similar programs.
Make the most of your experience with our Things by exploring these booklists, which highlight many of the individual items. Learn more about the Library of Things on our website at sccld.org/things.
