Library of Things Now Offered by Roxbury Public Library
Patrons can borrow a metal detector, oversized Jenga, check engine meter, ice-cream maker and so much more with their Roxbury Library Library card.
What if a library were meant to offer more than books and media?
It would mean great things for the people of Roxbury! And for our sake, the Roxbury Public Library has significantly expanded its lending collection to include dozens of new items. This new collection is called the Library of Things.
The collection provides library cardholders access to a wide variety of things -- many of which might be used only a few times per year -- without the burden of purchasing and storing infrequently used objects.
“We all love to try out new gadgets, tools, instruments, etc...” said Radwa Ali, Library Director at Roxbury Public Library. “With the Library of Things, people can test-drive ‘things’ before deciding whether or not they want to purchase their own. This collection is a better choice for the environment and for our residents’ wallets.”
The library staff curated the new collection. The borrowing period varies depending on the thing but will be up to two weeks.
“Our staff looked around at what other US libraries were offering and thought about what our patrons might use the most,” said Ali.
So what’s on the lending menu?
Electronics: Digital Film & Slide Scanner, External DVD Drive, Karaoke Machine, LED Party Lights, Mobile Hotspot, Portable Speaker with Mic, Selfie Stick and Tripod, Sphero Mini, Travel Adapter, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Hobbies and Crafts: Button Maker, Cricut Joy, Sewing Machine
Kitchen and Dining: Fondue Pot, Ice Cream Maker, Induction Cooktop
Music and Media: Adult Acoustic Guitar, Cassette to MP3 Converter, Concert Ukulele, Digital Drum Set, Keyboard, Kids Acoustic Guitar, Lyre Harp, Mandolin, Otamatone, Record Player, Steel Tongue Drum
Science & Engineering: Makey Makey, Microscope
Sports & Outdoors: Badminton Set, Binoculars, Bubble Machine, Croquet Set, Gas Camp Stove, Kids Outdoor Explorer Set, Lanterns, Megaphone, Pickleball Set, Pogo Stick, Rangefinder, Spikeball, Spotting Scope and Tripod, Table Tennis Set, Telescope, Trekking Poles
Tools: Check Engine Light Reader, Electrical Maintenance and Test Kit, Luggage Scale, Metal Detector, Moisture Meter, Pressure Washer, Stud Finder
Toys and Games: Backgammon Set, Checkers, Chess Set, Dungeons and Dragons Starter Kit, Giant Connect 4, Gold Panning Kit, MahJong Set, Yard Jenga
Over the past months, the Library has researched and purchased items with sponsorship the Friends of the Roxbury Public Library received from the 2020 Makers Day Carnival and Mini Golf event scheduled for March 2020 but cancelled due to the pandemic.
The good news is that the Library, pandemic permitting, is planning a scaled-back version of the Carnival-Mini Golf event on August 14 at the Library’s Gazebo, with formal details to be announced soon.
“A collection like our Library of Things would not be possible without the extreme generosity of many local businesses, service organizations and individuals,” added Karen Cerreta, programming coordinator at Roxbury Library. “Our donors had the vision to support our community with something new and unique, and our Roxbury cardholders will now benefit from using dozens of items without purchasing them. Incredible thanks to all who contributed!”
The Roxbury Public Library is grateful to the following donors who brought to life our Library of Things:
Spotlight Sponsor: Fullerton Grounds Maintenance;
Premier Sponsors: Nisivoccia, Rotary Club of Roxbury;
Diamond Sponsors: Blue Diamond, Fulton Bank, Investors Bank Foundation; Platinum Sponsors: American Document Solutions, Castle Printing, Cornerstone Financial Group Inc., Edward Jones Investments, Fox Rothschild LLP, Investors Bank, James A. Burke Electrical Contractors, Milly & DeFilippis, Orange Carpet & Wood Gallery, Protective Systems Services, RoNetco ShopRite, Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce, The Polite Plumber, Western Pest Services;
Supporters: Roxbury Coin Club, Roxbury Woman’s Club, Bob and Kathy DiFilippo, David and Tracy Baltz, Senator Anthony Bucco, Mark and Andie Crowley and G.H. and Emily Wien.
Borrowing an item will involve a little more than checking out a book. There are guidelines to follow and an agreement to sign before a Roxbury Library card holder 18 or older can check out an item. Everyone is expected to care for items like they are their own, and will be liable for replacing broken or incomplete items.
“We anticipate regular wear and tear on things and patrons won’t be penalized for that,” said Ali. “However, we do expect people to return the items in good, usable condition, and repair or replacement costs will be passed along to individuals who are naughty.” The staff is especially interested to see which items are the most popular. “How the Library of Things grows in the future will be directed by our patrons and by donors to the Library of Things,” added Cerreta. “Only through support can this collection grow.”
To see the full collection and to start making reservations, go to www.roxburylibrary.org/things. To support the purchase of a new item go to www.roxburylibrary.org/support and donate to the Friends of the Roxbury Public Library.
The Roxbury Public Library is our community crossroads for learning and discovery. Each year, Roxbury Public Library serves more than 23,000 residents and neighbors with more than 200,000 check-outs and engagements through offerings of educational and enriching programs, concerts, lending books and audiovisual materials, and offering a wide array of digital content that allows our community members to access a vast array of books, audio-books, music, and film on their personal devices via their library card. Since March, 2020, the Roxbury Public Library has been offering expanded digital services and virtual programs at www.roxburylibrary.org. 103 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876 (973) 584-2400 www.roxburylibrary.org
