Jerry Reed is a reference librarian at the Clark County Public Library. He spends his work days helping patrons with research using the library’s local history or genealogy records, and with using its technology resources.
Lately, he’s also been setting up a new program: a Library of Things.
“This is one of the things I was more excited about,” Reed said, as he pulled the library’s new kalimba from its case. “Also known as an mbira, traditionally comes from West Africa, you'll also hear it called a finger piano.”
The instrument, made from a hollowed wooden block with metal prongs, is just one of the items up for check out with the new program.
“If you are curious about maybe playing the kalimba, learning how that instrument works, this is an opportunity to try before you buy,” Reed said.
Patrons can now check out any of 22 items beyond the library’s usual selection of books, music and movies, like repair tools, medical equipment, moving supplies, yard games and hobby kits.
“Maybe your doctor said, ‘Hey, take a week, gauge your blood pressure, keep track of it, let us know what happens,’ but they're not going to provide you with the cuff. So you can come and get that at the library,” Reed said.
Reed said the Library of Things is meant to provide access to items that patrons may only need once or twice. It's also a chance to try new things, like trying crochet with its beginner’s tool set, or dabbling in bird watching with its binoculars and identification guide.
“What I hope to see this grow into is an opportunity for people to get access to things that you normally can't afford or you don't need to necessarily afford,” Reed said.
Public libraries have long added similar collections, expanding their role in the community and offering a chance to borrow items rather than buy them.
The Wright Memorial Public Library in Oakwood expanded its Library of Things this spring. It’s added memory care kits, aiming to stimulate the mind and conversation between caregivers and people experiencing memory loss. It also offers things like cake pans, video blogging kits, science activities, and passes to local museums, parks, and attractions.
The Greene County Public Library has over 35 items in its Library of Things, including a ukulele, telescope, pickleball set, and a Go Pro.
Reed said the items at the Clark County Library are just a start, and it's looking for feedback on what it should add next.
“This is an experiment in seeing how well does this work with the community, if it stays on the shelf forever let's reassess,” Reed said. “That's why we don't have very many super expensive things right now, because we want to see how this works and how the community responds.”
Items are available for up to two weeks, from the reference desk. Patrons can also place holds or view the selection on the library’s website.