Library of things
{{Short description|Collection of objects for loan}}
{{External links|date=April 2025}}
File:FIBA basketballs (photo by Djuradj Vujcic).jpgs for ball games is an example of sporting equipment which can be lent]]
File:Cross-country equipment--Skate and Classic.jpg equipment]]
A library of things is any collection of objects loaned, and any organization that practices such loaning. Objects often include kitchen appliances, tools, gardening equipment and seeds,{{Cite web|title=Not Your Garden-Variety Library|url=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2015/01/05/not-your-garden-variety-library/|last=Landgraf|first=Greg|date=5 January 2015|website=American Libraries Magazine|access-date=19 July 2017}} electronics,{{Cite web|title=Start Your Own Mobile Device-Lending Program|url=http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/start-your-own-mobile-device-lending-program|website=TechSoup for Libraries|access-date=19 July 2017}}
- {{Cite web|title=Check Out a Library Hotspot » Public Libraries Online|url=http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/02/check-out-a-library-hotspot/|last=Rosales|first=Romeo|website=publiclibrariesonline.org|date=25 February 2016 |access-date=19 July 2017}} toys and games, art,{{Cite web|title=Borrowing Art @ The Library » Public Libraries Online|url=http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/11/borrowing-art-the-library/|last=Collie|first=Victoria|website=publiclibrariesonline.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113223245/http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/11/borrowing-art-the-library/|archive-date=2013-11-13|access-date=19 July 2017}} science kits, craft supplies, musical instruments, and recreational equipment such as sports and outdoors gear.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Patricia Leigh|date=14 September 2015|title=These Public Libraries Are for Snowshoes and Ukuleles|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/us/these-public-libraries-are-for-snowshoes-and-ukuleles.html|access-date=1 August 2017|issn=0362-4331}} Especially appropriate are objects that are useful occasionally but cumbersome to store, such as specialized cookware or niche technology items.{{Cite news|last=Williams|first=Casey|date=29 April 2016|title=How Libraries -- Yes, Libraries -- Are Helping People Ditch Stuff They Don't Need|work=Huffington Post|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/library-of-things-sustainability_us_57237259e4b01a5ebde55e76|access-date=25 July 2017}} Collections vary widely, but go far beyond the books, journals, and media that have been the primary focus of traditional libraries.{{Cite web|url=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2017/06/01/library-of-things/|title=The Library of Things|last1=Mead|first1=Brian|last2=Dankowski|first2=Terra|date=1 June 2017|website=American Libraries Magazine|access-date=19 July 2017}}
The library of things movement is a growing trend in public, academic and special libraries in many countries.{{cite web |url=https://www.shareable.net/the-library-of-things-8-spaces-changing-how-we-think-about-stuff/ |title=The Library of Things: 8 Spaces Changing How We Think About Stuff |last=Johnson |first=Cat |date=June 15, 2016 |website=shareable.net |access-date=May 12, 2019 }}{{Cite book|url=http://www.abc-clio.com/LibrariesUnlimited/product.aspx?pc=A5181P|title=Audio Recorders to Zucchini Seeds|last1=Robison|first1=Mark|last2=Shedd|first2=Lindley|publisher=Libraries Unlimited|year=2017|isbn=978-1-4408-5019-6|location=Santa Barbara, CA}} There are also free-standing organizations separate from libraries, such as tool libraries, toy libraries, community sharing centers,{{cite web |url=http://thethingery.com/ |title=All the things you need, right around the corner |website=thethingery.com |access-date=May 12, 2019}} independent non-profits, and individual initiatives. The term 'Library of Things' was popularized by a grassroots experiment [https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/why started in London in 2014], themselves inspired by Toronto Tool Library.
The Share Shed (Totnes, UK) is developing the first mobile library of things. Collections are often supported by educational programming and public events.{{Cite web|title=Can I Check This Out? : Circulating Collections Beyond Books, CDs, and DVDs|url=http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2012/11/can-i-check-this-out-circulating-collections-beyond-books-cds-and-dvds/|last=Cassidy|first=Charles|date=15 November 2012|website=Public Libraries Online|access-date=9 August 2017}} These borrowing centers and library collections are part of the sharing economy.{{Cite news|url=http://www.ala.org/tools/future/trends/sharingeconomy|title=Sharing Economy|last=Figueroa|first=Miguel|date=6 October 2014|work=American Libraries|access-date=1 August 2017}}
In Wales, [https://www.benthyg-cymru.org/ Benthyg Cymru] have developed a network to support each other sharing knowledge not just things.
Types of collections
= Arts and crafts =
Art rentals are being made available for library patrons for borrowing prints, posters, paintings, and other visual art.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aadl.org/artprints|title=Art Prints |website=Ann Arbor District Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/11/borrowing-art-the-library/|title=Borrowing Art @ The Library » Public Libraries Online|last=Collie|first=Victoria|date=5 November 2013|website=publiclibrariesonline.org|access-date=9 August 2017}} Additionally, many libraries of things are adding arts and crafts equipment and supplies for use in the library or for check out. Crafting tools may include sewing machines, knitting kits, die-cutters, papercraft tools, jewelry repair and embroidery kits, scrapbooking supplies, and button makers.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article8920145.html|title=Borrow a sewing machine? Sacramento Public Library to start loaning more than books|last=Garrison|first=Ellen|date=1 February 2015|work=sacbee|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://tscpl.org/art/check-out-arts-crafts-with-kits-from-the-library|title=Check out arts & crafts with kits from the library! |last=Zinn|first=Jill|date=1 June 2015|work=Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=http://theplaidzebra.com/a-new-library-of-things-lets-you-test-your-hidden-genius-by-borrowing-nearly-anything/|title=A new "library of things" lets you test your hidden genius by borrowing nearly anything|last=Beuker|first=Jessica|date=8 January 2016|work=The Plaid Zebra|access-date=10 August 2017}}
= Electronics and technology =
Libraries have been lending electronics like e-readers, tablets, and laptops for quite some time already, but are now expanding the range of electronics that they lend through the library of things. Electronics offerings have expanded to include mobile hot spots, projectors, scanners, GoPros, graphics tablets, digital and film cameras, video games, converters (vinyl, cassette, and VHS to digital files), green screens, and video cameras.{{Cite news|url=http://www.spokanelibrary.org/camera-kits/|title=Camera Kits|work=Spokane Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/02/check-out-a-library-hotspot/|title=Check Out a Library Hotspot |last=Rosales, Jr.|first=Romeo|date=24 February 2016|website=Public Libraries Online|access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Musical instruments =
Instrument collections have been brought in to libraries, often accompanied by sheet music, tuners, amps, and educational resources.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/services/borrow-a-musical-instrument.jsp|title=Borrow a Musical Instrument |website=Toronto Public Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://forbeslibrary.org/help/borrow-a-musical-instrument/|title=Borrow a musical instrument|website=Forbes Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.aadl.org/musictools|title=About Music Tools |website=Ann Arbor District Library|access-date=8 August 2017}} The Free Library of Philadelphia launched its Musical Instrument Collection (MIC) in 2016, and lending includes an electric guitar, mandolin, electric bass, ukulele, acoustic-electric guitar, and a banjo.{{Cite news|url=https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/2640|title=Blog: Opening Notes of Instrument Lending at the Free Library|last=Genovesi|first=Perry|date=21 September 2016|work=Free Library of Philadelphia|access-date=1 August 2017}} Lopez Island Library in Lopez Island, Washington introduced a musical instrument "petting zoo", which includes instruments like acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, cello, clarinet, flugelhorn, French horn, electric keyboard, recorder, ukulele, viola and violin.{{Cite web|url=http://lopezlibrary.org/musical-instrument-petting-zoo-is-coming-august-12th-100-330/|title=Musical Instrument Petting Zoo is coming August 12th 12 – 2pm |website=Lopez Island Library|access-date=1 August 2017}} In Oregon, The Jackson County Library Services Library of Things music collection includes a table top electric drum set and a kalimba thumb piano.{{Cite web|title=JCLS Library of Things|url=https://jcls.org/collections/library-of-things/|website=Jcls.org}} [https://musicbroth.org Music Broth] in Scotland has as of 2024 around 3000 instruments. Beginning in Glasgow in 2017, its library includes everything from guitars to ouds, домра/domra, violins, dulcimers, and electronic music equipment, all the way up to events equipment.{{Cite web |title=Music Broth Scotland's Loudest Library |url=https://www.musicbroth.org/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Music Broth |language=en}}
= Kitchen equipment =
Specialized kitchen equipment including food dehydrators, popcorn machines, ice cream makers, air fryers, instant pots, and Kitchen Aid blenders are available to borrow for home use.{{Cite web |title=Library of Extraordinary Things: Culinary Cupboard |url=http://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/about-us/building-information/library-of-extraordinary-things/library-of-extraordinary-things-culinary-cupboard/ |access-date=9 August 2017 |website=Elmhurst Public Library}}
- {{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Cat |date=June 15, 2016 |title=The Library of Things: 8 Spaces Changing How We Think About Stuff |work=Shareable |url=http://www.shareable.net/blog/the-library-of-things-8-spaces-changing-how-we-think-about-stuff |access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news |last=Alteir |first=Nuran |date=29 May 2015 |title=Checking 'things' out: Library offers bakeware and gadgets to accompany those how-to books |work=OregonLive.com |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2015/05/library_of_things_redefines_wh.html |access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite magazine |last=Tuttle |first=Brad |date=May 25, 2016 |title=22 Incredibly Useful Things Your Town Is Probably Giving Away for Free |url=https://money.com/free-stuff-lending-libraries/ |magazine=Money.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514005908/https://money.com/free-stuff-lending-libraries/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=8 August 2017}} Cake pans and novelty bakeware have been particularly popular additions to libraries, with many stand-alone collections being created.{{Cite news|url=http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2012/06/library-services/let-them-lend-cake-pans/#_|title=Let Them Lend Cake Pans|last=Schwartz|first=Meredith|date=14 June 2012|work=Library Journal|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/10/20/check-out-cake-pan-from-library/RNdhSrb9xBiCmvHxUiFfxO/story.html|title=Check out a cake pan from the library |last=Lysgaard|first=Ingrid|date=20 October 2015|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://abqlibrary.org/cakepans|title=LibGuides: Cake Pans: Overview|website=The Public Library, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://andoverlibrary.org/library-info/holiday-baking-with-our-cake-pan-collection/#.WYnxTIqQyRs|title=Holiday baking with our cake pan collection |website=Andover Public Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=https://www.brooklinelibrary.org/what-we-have/library-of-things/|title=Library of Things |website=Public Library of Brookline|date=26 April 2016 |access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.northhavenlibrary.net/cake-pans|title=Cake Pan & Cookie Cutters|website=North Haven Memorial Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.ackley.lib.ia.us/use-the-library/borrow-cake-pans-1/list-cake-pans|title=List of Cake Pans |website=Ackley Public Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=http://www.sewardlibrary.org/cake/|title=Cake Pans |work=Seward Memorial Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Gardening and seed libraries =
Seed libraries have cropped up as a part of public library collections.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/02/02/170846948/how-to-save-a-public-library-make-it-a-seed-bank|title=How To Save A Public Library: Make It A Seed Bank|last=Runyon|first=Luke|date=2 February 2013|work=NPR.org|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://modernfarmer.com/2013/07/5-public-libraries-that-have-gone-to-seed-libraries/|title=5 Public Libraries That Have Gone to Seed (Libraries)|last=Dawson|first=Gloria|date=17 July 2013|website=Modern Farmer|access-date=8 August 2017}} Many have a policy for users who "check out" seeds for a growing season; they agree to plant the checked-out seeds and then save seeds from the yield to return to the collection for the following year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.richmondgrowsseeds.org/|title=Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library|website=Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.library.pima.gov/seed-library/|title=Welcome to the Seed Library|work=Pima County Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=https://www.depauvillefreelibrary.org/SeedLibrary|title=A Seed Library Grows in Clayton |website=Depauville Free Library|access-date=9 August 2017}} Some seed libraries have become a point of contention with state governments' agriculture departments.{{Cite web|url=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2014/12/08/seed-libraries-and-state-laws/|title=Seed Libraries and State Laws|last=Landgraf|first=Greg|date=8 December 2014|website=American Libraries Magazine|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/carlisle/department-of-agriculture-cracks-down-on-seed-libraries/article_8b0323f4-18f6-11e4-b4c1-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Department of Agriculture cracks down on seed libraries|last=Creason|first=Naomi |work=The Sentinel|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=http://inhabitat.com/why-are-state-governments-shutting-down-community-seed-libraries/|title=Why are state governments shutting down community seed libraries?|last=Renner|first=Serena|date=27 April 2015|work=Inhabit|access-date=8 August 2017}} Agricultural equipment, landscaping tools, and gardening supplies are also included in 'things' collections, and may include rakes, hedge trimmers, pruners, hand tools, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers.{{Cite web|url=https://library.arlingtonva.us/services/the-shed/|title=The Shed: Garden Tool Lending Library|website=Arlington Public Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Gardening/diggin-it/2008/0804/borrow-garden-tools-at-the-library|title=Borrow garden tools at the library|last=Lowe|first=Judy|date=4 August 2008|work=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=8 August 2017|issn=0882-7729}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.communityadvocate.com/2015/08/22/shrewsbury-public-library-offers-garden-tools-for-checkout/|title=Shrewsbury Public Library offers garden tools for checkout|date=22 August 2015|website=Community Advocate|access-date=8 August 2017}} Some libraries are also creating community gardens{{Cite web|url=http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/growing-library-garden-programs.html|title=Growing Library Garden Programs |website=Web Junction |access-date=9 August 2017}} where library users can check out a garden plot for a growing season.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nopl.org/services/spaces/library-farm/|title=Library Farm |last=Waltos |first=Michelle |date=28 November 2014|work=NOPL|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.tewksburypl.org/get-involved/pages/tewksbury-public-library-community-garden|title=Tewksbury Public Library Community Garden |website=Tewksbury Library |access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Home tools =
File:Kill-a-Watt, an electricity-use measurement tool, available to borrow at Los Angeles Public Library branch.jpg, an electricity-use measurement tool, available to borrow at a Los Angeles Public Library branch]]
Home monitoring tools such as thermal cameras, leak detectors, air quality meters, infrared thermometers, energy meters, and other devices are available in some collections for borrowing.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aadl.org/hometools|title=About Home Tools |website=Ann Arbor District Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=https://www.denverlibrary.org/content/power-check-energy-meter-program|title=Power Check Energy Meter Program |website=Denver Public Library|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=http://beverlypress.com/2015/07/l-a-public-library-to-loan-energy-usage-monitors/|title=L.A. Public Library to loan energy usage monitors |last=Folven |first=Edwin |date=2 July 2015|work=Park Labrea News/ Beverly Press|access-date=8 August 2017}}
= Recreation =
Some libraries are bringing in equipment to help users enjoy outdoor recreation, sometimes in partnership with local Parks and Recreation departments. Among a wide range of recreation equipment offerings are fishing rods,{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/08/13/211697593/beyond-books-libraries-lend-fishing-poles-pans-and-people|title=Beyond Books: Libraries Lend Fishing Poles, Pans And People|last=Blair|first=Elizabeth|date=13 August 2013|website=NPR.org|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=https://eapl.org/fishing-rods-reels-and-tackle-available-checkout-0|title=Fishing Rods, Reels and Tackle Available for Checkout |website= Ela Area Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}} frisbees and whiffle balls, bird watching kits and croquet,{{Cite news|url=http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2014/04/mesas-public-libraries-offering-books-dvds-and-croquet-sets/index.html|title=Mesa's public libraries offering books, DVDs – and croquet sets|last=Young|first=Jordan|date=9 April 2014 |work=Cronkite News|access-date=9 August 2017}} badminton, bocce or pickleball sets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/library/borrow/library-of-things|title=Library of Things |website=City of Hillsboro|access-date=9 August 2017}}
Similarly, libraries are checking out party supplies for social recreation, including items like bubble, cotton candy, and karaoke machines, chocolate fountains, or boomboxes.{{Cite web|url=http://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/about-us/building-information/library-of-extraordinary-things/library-of-extraordinary-things-celebrate/|title=Library of Extraordinary Things: Celebrate |website=Elmhurst Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Science and maker =
The Maker movement{{Cite news|url=http://www.ala.org/tools/future/trends/makers|title=Maker Movement|last=Figueroa|first=Miguel|date=15 September 2014|work=ALA Center for the Future of Libraries|access-date=9 August 2017}} has had an influence on the collections available at Libraries of Things, and as a result there are littleBits, Arduino, Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, robotics kits, coding toys, 3D printers and vinyl and laser cutters may be available for check out at many libraries.{{Cite web|url=http://www.carylibrary.org/library-of-things|title=Library of Things |website= Cary Memorial Library, Lexington, Massachusetts |access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=https://www.livingstonlibrary.org/library-of-things/|title=Library of Things|website=Livingston Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}} Similarly, science tools like digital microscopes, telescopes, light meters and themed science kits are being made available to borrow.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aadl.org/sciencetools|title=About Science Tools|website=Ann Arbor District Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
-{{Cite web|url=http://www.mywpl.org/?q=borrow-telescope|title=Borrow a Telescope |website= Worcester Public Library |access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Tools =
Tool libraries have gained popularity as free-standing borrowing centers in many cities, and libraries{{Cite web|url=http://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/tool-lending-library|title=Tool Lending Library |website= Oakland Public Library |access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/07/20/need-a-tool-libraries-lending-more-than-books/|title=Need A Tool? Libraries Lending More Than Books|last=Householder|first=Mike|date=20 July 2013|website=CBS Detroit|access-date=8 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.faylib.org/tools|title=Ozarkansas Tool Library |website= Fayetteville Public Library |access-date=8 August 2017}} are also bringing in tool collections for borrowing. Hand and power tools for home improvement, construction and fine woodworking are popular additions to libraries, and often are accompanied by programming and educational opportunities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thetoollib.com/|title=Tool Library|website=West Bloomington Revitalization Project|access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Toys =
Toy lending centers have a longer history, stretching back to the Great Depression. Recently,{{when|date=March 2019}} though, libraries have come to embrace the concept of toy libraries, and have introduced lending collections of puppets, board games, American Girl dolls,{{Cite web|url=http://oppl.org/american-girl-dolls|title=American Girl Dolls |website=Oak Park Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}} puzzles, blocks and a wide variety of other toys into their collections.{{Cite web|url=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2013/12/03/toy-libraries-a-place-to-play/|title=Toy Libraries: A Place to Play|last=Cottrell|first=Megan|date=3 December 2013|website=American Libraries Magazine|access-date=9 August 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.usatla.org/USA_Toy_Library_Association/Welcome_to_the_USA_Toy_Library_Association.html|title=Welcome to the USA Toy Library Association|website=USA Toy Library Association |access-date=9 August 2017}}
= Other =
The library of things movement is expanding to include an ever-widening array of items. Objects include tiebraries,{{Cite web|url=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2016/09/01/tiebrary-community-ties/|title=Community Ties|last=Walker|first=Jennifer|date=1 September 2016|website=American Libraries Magazine|access-date=9 August 2017}} taxidermied animals,{{Cite news|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/69658/you-can-check-out-taxidermy-alaskan-library|title=You Can Check Out Taxidermy at This Alaskan Library|last=Fawcett|first=Kirstin|date=9 October 2015|work=Mental Floss|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/need-wolf-fur-or-puffin-pelt-all-you-need-library-card-and-arlis-library-can-help/2015/10/06/|title=Need a wolf fur? A puffin pelt? All you need is a library card and a visit to the ARLIS library|last=Caldwell|first=Suzanna|date=6 October 2015|work=Alaska Dispatch News}} museum passes,{{Cite web|url=http://www.spl.org/library-collection/museum-pass|title=Museum Pass|website=The Seattle Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017}}
- {{Cite web|url=http://www.bpl.org/general/circulation/museum_passes.php|title=BPL - Museum Pass Reservations|website=Boston Public Library|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812190224/http://www.bpl.org/general/circulation/museum_passes.php|archive-date=12 August 2017|url-status=dead}} or Santa Claus suits.{{Cite news|url=http://www.djournal.com/news/mississippi-libraries-offer-much-more-than-books/article_2ce60f50-6c4b-53a2-b39d-9f114e7fb0ef.html|title=Mississippi libraries offer much more than books|last=Ward|first=Robbie|work=Daily Journal|access-date=9 August 2017}} Palm Harbor Public Library in Florida has a collection for role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons (the Mark Mazurek Role Playing Game Collections).{{Cite web|url= https://www.palmharborlibrary.org/services |website=Palm Harbor Library|title=Services|access-date=26 October 2018}}
List of organizations
{{More footnotes needed|section|date=December 2020}}
= Traditional libraries =
- Allen County Public Library – Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States{{Cite web|title=Library of Things|url=https://www.acpl.lib.in.us/explore/library-of-things|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Acpl.lib.in.us|language=en-us}}
- Altadena Libraries – Altadena, California, United States{{cite web | url=https://www.altadenalibrary.org/libraryofthings/ | title=Library of Things | date=17 March 2021 }}
- Ann Arbor District Library – Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Banff Public Library – Banff, Alberta, Canada{{Cite web|title=Library of Things|url=https://www.banfflibrary.ab.ca/Library-Services/Additional-Services/Library-of-Things|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Banfflibrary.ab.ca|language=en}}
- Bangor Public Library – Bangor, Maine, United States
- Berkeley Public Library – Berkeley, California, United States
- Beaverton City Library – Beaverton, Oregon, United States
- Boston Public Library – Boston, Massachusetts, United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.bpl.org/about-egleston-square|title=About Egleston Square|website=Bpl.org|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- Bremen City Library – Bremen, Germany{{Cite web|url=https://stabi-hb.de/services/bibliothek-der-dinge|title=Bibliothek der Dinge|website=stabi-hb.de|access-date=21 December 2022}}
- Bridges Library System – Waukesha County, Wisconsin and Jefferson County, Wisconsin, United States{{Cite web|title=Discover the Library of Things|url=https://bridgeslibrarysystem.org/library-of-things/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Bridges Library System|language=en-US}}
- Brookline Public Library – Brookline, Massachusetts, United States
- Capital Area District Libraries – Michigan, United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.cadl.org/books-more/library-things/what |title=What is This – Capital Area District Library |website=cadl.org}}
- Cary Memorial Library – Lexington, Massachusetts, United States
- County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries – San Luis Obispo County, California, United States{{Cite web|url=https://my.nicheacademy.com/countyofslopubliclibrariesmakerkits |title=Library of Things |website=nicheacademy.com}}
- Charles M. Bailey Public Library – Winthrop, Maine, United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2016/01/22/winthrop-library-offers-new-snowshoe-loan-program/|title=Winthrop library offers new snowshoe loan program|website=Central Maine|date=22 January 2016 |access-date=30 December 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2019/08/11/fishing-poles-snowshoes-a-telescope-libraries-are-lending-more-than-just-books/|title=Fishing poles, snowshoes, a telescope — libraries are lending more than just books|website=Central Maine|date=11 August 2019 |access-date=30 December 2022}}
- Clinton Essex Franklin Library System – Clinton County, Essex County, and Franklin County, New York, United States{{Cite web |title=Library of Things, Kits, and Passes |url=https://cefls.org/library-of-things/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=CEF Library System |language=en-US}}
- Curtis Memorial Library (Brunswick, Maine) – Brunswick, Maine, United States{{Cite web|last=cmladmin|title=Library of Things|url=https://curtislibrary.com/library-of-things/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Curtis Memorial Library|language=en-US}}
- Deerfield Public Library – Deerfield, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://www.deerfieldlibrary.org/library-of-things/ | title=Library of Things – Deerfield Public Library | website=deerfieldlibrary.org | date=2 September 2022 }}
- Denver Public Library – Denver, Colorado, United States
- Dover Town Library – Dover, Massachusetts, United States
- Elmhurst Public Library – Elmhurst, Illinois, United States{{Cite web|title=Library of Extraordinary Things|url=https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/about-us/building-information/library-of-extraordinary-things/ |website=elmhurstpubliclibrary.org}}
- Englewood Public Library – Englewood, Colorado, United States{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Library of Things {{!}} City of Englewood, Colorado |url=https://www.englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library-golf/englewood-public-library/services/adult-services/library-of-things |access-date=November 13, 2024 |website=Englewood Public Library {{!}} City of Englewood, Colorado}}
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries – Washougal, Washington, United States{{cite web | url=https://www.fvrl.org/seed-library | title=Washougal Seed Lending Library | FVRLibraries|website=Fvrl.org }}
- Framingham Public Library – Framingham, Massachusetts, United States{{cite web | url=https://framingham.minlib.net/Search/Home?browseCategory=framingham_library_of_things | title=Framingham Library of Things }}
- Glencoe Public Library – Glencoe, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://www.glencoelibrary.org/library-of-things/ | title=Library of Things – Glencoe Public Library | website=glencoelibrary.org }}
- Glenview Public Library – Glenview, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://glenviewpl.org/library-of-things/ | title=Library of Things | website=glenviewpl.org }}
- Hartford Public Library – Hartford, Connecticut, United States
- Highland Park Public Library – Highland Park, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://hplibrary.org/library-of-things | title=Library of Things – Highland Park Public Library | website=hplibrary.org }}
- Hillsboro Public Library – Hillsboro, Oregon, United States
- Jackson County Library Services – Oregon, United States{{Cite web|url=https://jcls.org/collections/library-of-things/|title = Library of Things {{!}} Jackson County Library Services | website=jcls.org}}
- [https://www.jplibrary.net/ Jefferson Parish Library] – Metairie, Louisiana, United States{{Cite web |title=Library of Things |url=https://www.jplibrary.net/lot |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Jefferson Parish Library |language=en}}
- Keene Public Library – Keene, New Hampshire, United States{{ cite web | url=https://keenenh.gov/keene-public-library/library-things | title=Library of Things | website=keenenh.gov }}
- Kitchener Public Library – Kitchener, Ontario, Canada{{Cite web |last=Bueckert |first=Kate |title=Kitchener Public Library unveils new instrument lending library |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kitchener-public-library-unveils-new-instrument-lending-library-1.4197428 |website=CBC News}}
- Kitsap Regional Library – Kitsap County, Washington, United States
- La Grange Park Public Library – La Grange Park, Illinois, United States{{Cite web|title=Library of Things – La Grange Park Public Library |url=https://www.lplibrary.org/things/ |website=lplibrary.org}}
- Lake Forest Library – Lake Forest, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://www.lakeforestlibrary.org/borrow-special-collections-including-tech-accessibility | title=Borrow from Special Collections including Tech & Accessibility | website=lakeforestlibrary.org }}
- Lincolnwood Public Library District – Lincolnwood, Illinois, United States{{Cite web|title=Library of Things {{!}} Lincolnwood Public Library|url=https://lincolnwoodlibrary.org/services/library-of-things/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Lincolnwoodlibrary.org}}
- Livingston Public Library – Livingston, New Jersey, United States
- Maitland Public Library – Maitland, Florida, United States
- Matteson Area Public Library District – Matteson, Illinois, United States{{Cite web|title=Library of Things |url=https://www.mapld.org/libraryofthings/ |website=mapld.org}}
- Mesa Public Library – Mesa, Arizona, United States
- Niles-Maine District Library – Niles, Illinois, United States{{Cite web|title=Technology Equipment – Niles-Maine District Library |url=https://www.nileslibrary.org/borrow/on-the-shelves/technology-equipment/ |website=nileslibrary.org}}
- Pasadena Public Library – Pasadena, California, United States{{cite web | url=https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/steam | title=STEAM @ the Library – Pasadena Public Library|website=Cityofpasadena.net}}
- Pasco County Library Cooperative – Florida, United States{{Cite web |title=Library of Things {{!}} Pasco County Libraries |url=https://pascolibraries.org/borrow/library-of-things/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=pascolibraries.org}}
- Pinellas Public Library Cooperative – Clearwater, Florida, United States
- Reading Public Library – Reading, Massachusetts, United States
- Richland Library – Richland County, South Carolina, United States{{cite web | url=https://www.richlandlibrary.com/libraryofthings | title=Library of Things | Richland Library |website=Richlandlibrary.com}}
- Robbins Library – Arlington, Massachusetts, United States{{cite web | url=https://www.robbinslibrary.org/fox-seed-library/ | title=Robbins Library |website=Robbinslibrary.org}}
- Sacramento Public Library – Sacramento, California, United States{{cite web | url=https://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/4190268-pumpkin-seed-library/ | title=Pumpkin Seed Library|website=Gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com }}
- Salt Lake County Library – Salt Lake County, Utah, United States {{Cite web |last=Stucki |first=Tavin |title=Library of Things {{!}} The County Library |url=https://www.thecountylibrary.org/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Salt Lake County Library |language=en}}
- Skokie Public Library – Skokie, Illinois, United States{{cite web | url=https://skokielibrary.info/services/computers-technology/devices-gadgets/ | title=Devices & gadgets | website=skokielibrary.info }}
- Somerville Public Library – Somerville, Massachusetts, United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/books-movies-music-etc/library-things|title = Library of Things |website=Somervillepubliclibrary.org}}
- Springvale Public Library – Maine, United States{{cite web |title=Library of Things |url=https://www.springvalelibrary.org/library-of-things |website=Springvale Public Library |access-date=1 November 2024 }}
- St. Charles Public Library – St. Charles, Illinois, United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.scpld.org/use-your-library/borrow-equipment/ |title = Borrow Equipment & Devices |website=scpld.org}}
- Sweetwater Public Library – Sweetwater, Tennessee, United States
- Telluride Public Library – Telluride, Colorado, United States
- The Urbana Free Library – Urbana, Illinois, United States{{Cite web |title=Library of Things {{!}} Urbana Free Library |url=https://urbanafreelibrary.org/using-library/library-things |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=urbanafreelibrary.org}}
- Ulm City Library, Ulm, Germany {{Cite web | url=https://stadtbibliothek.ulm.de/angebote/bibliothek-der-dinge| title=Gegenstände des Alltags und digitale Dinge leihen}}
- Waterloo Public Library – Waterloo, Ontario, Canada{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Katherine |date=2021-04-22 |title=Park passes available to borrow at Kitchener, Waterloo public libraries |url=https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/park-passes-available-to-borrow-at-kitchener-waterloo-public-libraries-1.5397993 |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=Kitchener |language=en}}
- [https://watertownlib.org/ Watertown Free Public Library] – Watertown, Massachusetts, United States{{Cite web |title=Library of Things {{!}} Watertown Library, MA |url=https://watertownlib.org/610/Library-of-Things |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=watertownlib.org}}
- [https://www.wclibrary.info/ Washington-Centerville Public Library] – Centerville, Ohio, United States
- Wayland Free Public Library – Wayland, Massachusetts, United States
- West Chicago Public Library – West Chicago, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://wcpld.info/services/library-of-things/ | title=Library of Things – West Chicago Public Library District | website=wcpld.info }}
- Wilmette Public Library – Wilmette, Illinois, United States{{ cite web | url=https://www.wilmettelibrary.info/libraryofthings | title=Library of Things | website=wilmettelibrary.info }}
- Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District – Winnetka, Illinois, United States{{cite web | url=https://www.winnetkalibrary.org/library-of-things/ | title=Library of Things | website=winnetkalibrary.org }}
= Free-standing =
- [https://www.dein-allerleih.de/ allerleih e.V.]- Kassel, Germany
- Belfast Tool Library – Belfast, Northern Ireland{{Cite web|title=Belfast Tool Library|url=https://www.belfasttoollibrary.com/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Belfast Tool Library|language=en-US}}
- Benthyg – Cardiff, Wales{{Cite web|title=HOME|url=https://www.benthyg.org/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Benthyg.org|language=en}}
- Bibliothek der Dinge / Knižnica vecí – Goethe-Institut, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Borrow Don't Buy – Plymouth, England{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://borrowdontbuy.co.uk/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Borrow Don't Buy Plymouth|language=en-GB}}
- Brunswick Tool Library – Melbourne, Australia{{Cite web|url=https://www.brunswicktoollibrary.org/|title=Brunswick Tool Library|website=Brunswick Tool Library|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- [https://www.chicagotoollibrary.org/ The Chicago Tool Library] – Chicago, Illinois, United States
- [https://www.circlecentrelund.org/ Circle Centre Lund] – Lund, Sweden
- De Spullenier – Utrecht, Netherlands
- Edmonton Tool Library – Edmonton, Canada{{Cite web |url=http://www.edmontontoollibrary.ca/ |title=Edmonton Tool Library |access-date=2021-11-10 |archive-date=2021-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819211545/http://www.edmontontoollibrary.ca/ |url-status=dead }}
- Edinburgh Tool Library – Edinburgh, Scotland{{Cite web|title=Edinburgh Tool Library – Edinburgh Tool Library|url=https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk|language=en-US}}
- Glasgow Tool Library – Glasgow, Scotland{{Cite web|date=2020-03-10|title=Glasgow Tool Library |website=Glasgowtoollibrary.com|url=https://glasgowtoollibrary.com/|access-date=2021-12-09|language=en-GB}}
- Halifax Tool Library – Halifax, Canada{{Cite web|url=http://halifaxtoollibrary.ca/|title=| Halifax Tool Library & Workshop|website=Halifaxtoollibrary.ca|date=9 December 2013|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- Hull Library of Things – Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England{{Cite web|title=Home :: Library of Stuff CIC|url=https://libraryofstuff.co.uk/index.php|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Libraryofstuff.co.uk}}
- [https://www.ilkleythingery.org/ Ilkley Thingery] – Ilkley, West Yorkshire, England
- Islington, London, UK [https://borrowit.org.uk Borrow It!]
- Knjižnica REČI – Ljubljana, Slovenia
- La Manivelle – Geneva, Switzerland
- La Manivelle – Lausanne, Switzerland
- [https://leihbarbonn.de/ Leihbar] – Bonn, Germany
- [https://leihothek.de/ LEIHOTHEK] – Münster, Germany
- [https://leila-berlin.de/ Leila] – Berlin, Germany
- Leila – Leipzig, Germany
- [https://leihlager.ch Leihlager] – Basel, Switzerland
- [https://llani.benthyg.cymru/ Llani Library of Things] – Llanidloes, Wales{{Cite web |last=Parry |first=Anwen |date=2023-06-17 |title='Library of things' opens to cut waste in Powys town |url=https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/23592107.library-things-opens-cut-waste-powys-town/ |website=Powys County Times}}
- Library of Things – Prague, Czech Republic
- [https://libraryofthings.co.uk Library of Things] – London, England
- [https://knihovnavecibrno.myturn.com/library/ Knihovna věcí Brno] – Brno, Czech Republic
- Library of Things – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan{{Cite web|url=https://libraryofthingsyxe.myturn.com/library/|title = Library of Things YXE|website=Libraryofthingsyxe.myturn.com}}
- Library of Things – Kitchener, Ontario{{Cite web|url=http://kwlot.ca/|title=KW Library of Things – A space for sharing items ranging from tools to camping and kitchen equipment.|website=Kwlot.ca|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- LUULA – Heidelberg, Germany
- [https://musicbroth.org Music Broth], Scotland (Musical Instrument Library)
- Northeast Seattle Tool Library – Seattle, WA{{Cite web|url=https://neseattle.myturn.com/library/|title=NE Seattle Tool Library|website=Neseattle.myturn.com|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- Phinney Neighborhood Association Tool Library – Seattle, WA{{Cite web|url=https://www.phinneycenter.org/tools/|title=NE Seattle Tool Library|website=www.phinneycenter.org|date=31 May 2023 |access-date=9 September 2023}}
- Santa Rosa Tool Library – California, United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.borrowtools.org/|title=Home|website=Borrowtools.org|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- [https://www.sharebristol.org.uk Share Bristol] – Bristol, England{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Karen |date=2024-06-13 |title=Bristol gets its first 'Library of Things' |url=https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/bristol-gets-its-first-library-of-things/ |website=B24/7}}
- SHARE:Frome – A Library of Things – Somerset, England
- SHARE:Oxford – Oxford, England
- Share Shed – Brisbane, Australia
- [https://www.shareskipton.org Share Skipton] – Skipton, England{{Cite web |last=Tate |first=Lesley |date=2024-09-09 |title=Skipton's Mayor opens the town's first Library of Things |url=https://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/24572603.skiptons-mayor-opens-towns-first-library-things/ |website=Craven Herald & Pioneer}}
- Sharing Depot – Toronto, Ontario{{Cite web |title=Canada's First 'Library of Things' Opens in Toronto |url=https://www.treehugger.com/canadas-first-library-things-opens-toronto-4852175 |website=Treehugger.com}}
- Station North Tool Library – Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Sydney Library of Things – Sydney, Australia
- Tool Library – Buffalo, United States{{Cite web |url=https://www.thetoollibrary.org/ |title=The Tool Library – We provide communities the tools they need to create the change they want |access-date=2021-11-10 |archive-date=2021-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110142934/https://www.thetoollibrary.org/ |url-status=dead }}
- Toronto Tool Library – Toronto, ON, Canada {{Cite web|url=https://www.torontotoollibrary.com/|title=Home – Toronto Tool Library|website=Torontotoollibrary.com|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- Vancouver Tool Library – Vancouver, BC, Canada {{cite web | url=https://vancouver.myturn.com/library/ | title=The Vancouver Tool Library Cooperative|website=Vancouver.myturn.com}}
- West Philly Tool Library – Philadelphia, PA{{Cite web|url=https://westphillytools.org/|title=West Philly Tool Library|website=West Philly Tool Library|access-date=22 June 2022}}
- West Seattle Tool Library – Seattle, WA{{cite web | url=https://wstl.myturn.com/library/ | title=West Seattle Tool Library|website=Wstl.myturn.com }}
References
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