Welcome to our Library of Things! This is our collection of items you may consider atypical for public libraries, which many still think of as synonymous with books alone. However, we're one of the many institutions privileged to lend books and other stuff.
Every LoT is different, and ours is tailored to our community—we've included tools, kitchenware, toys, devices, and more that we think you'll enjoy, that might be able to do some good, or that you've requested. Just like our other collections, the LoT catalog strives to reflect the friends and neighbors we serve, so we hope you'll find something you like!
Scroll down on this page to explore the eight (8) categories into which we've divided our LoT items. Got questions? Let us know!
The Library of Things ("LoT") is a term popularized in 2014 by a grassroots experiment in lending, which in turn was inspired by the Toronto Tool Library. Basically, this is any circulating collection of objects beyond what you'd expect to see in a typical library environment (such as books, movies, and maybe video games). LoTs across the world vary widely in what they contain; ours includes everything from hand and power tools to toys, arts and crafts equipment, and more!
Any patron 18 years of age or older can check out LoT items!
You'll need a valid RCPL adult card with fines of less than $10; online/temporary cards and guest passes don't come with LoT privileges. A valid government-issued photo ID is also required, and an LoT waiver must be signed at the time of every checkout.
You can have up to 3 LoT items checked out to your account at once!
Everything in the LoT can be checked out for up to two (2) weeks! Please note that we can't renew LoT items for you; high demand and the maintenance involved means there's always a waiting list.
LoT Policies & Procedures
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Library of Things | Circulation & Borrowing, Conduct, Library of Things, Safety & Security, Use of Library Services |
Craft & Hobbies
This all-in-one crochet set with instructions would make a perfect gift for anyone who learning to crochet, a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned crocheter on the go. It is also an ideal gift for any craft crochet lover.
Multifunctional 37 Keys Piano: Play the piano function + Double Speakers + ensemble mode + keyboard drum + record playback function + Automatic standby sleep function + 8 tones + 8 rhythms + 11 demo + 4 percussion.
This flower press kit will help you preserve flowers - Using drying and pressing techniques, to gently transform the flowers into dried flowers faster, keeping them in great shape and color. Nice gift for a nature lover and craft lovers.
Mini handheld sewing machine, lightweight and compact, easy to carry, ergonomic design. You can easily solve the sewing problem when you meet the emergency problem of sudden disconnection, which is very convenient.
Education
This set of 12 Little Grasshopper Books introduces early learners ages 1 to 4 to a collection of simple first words. Titles in the set include: AB, CD, EFG, HIJ, KL, MN, OP, QR, ST, UV, WX, and YZ.
The Civics and Citizenship Toolkit is a collection of educational resources developed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to help permanent residents learn more ab out the United States and prepare for the naturalization process.
Highly visible: The bright orange safety color and 360 degree reflective collars make the parallel parking cones visible from a long distance during day or night.
Powerful Magnification: This microscope for adults allows you to zoom in and see the incredible details at a great magnification. The actual magnification differs due to the screen size, the distance between the camera and object.
Entertainment
Apples to Apples is a party game originally published by Hasbro, and now published by Mattel. Players aged nine and up will delight in all the crazy comparisons while expanding their vocabulary.
Are you a BEZZERWIZZER? Already a hit European game and a 2009 nominee for the prestigious Norway Party Game of the Year award, Bezzerwizzer now comes to the US and reinvents the way trivia has been played!
A classification game where cards can be matched by planet or by color.
All Library of Things items must be reserved over the phone.
Dead of Winter is a story-centric board game that puts you and up to four other players together in the tortured aftermath of the zombie apocalypse. The dead are pushing in on every side, but mere survival is not enough.
Health & Wellness
The Zacurate Pro Series 500DL fingertip pulse oximeter is manufactured according to the CE and FDA standards set for pulse oximeter designed for sports enthusiasts, pilots or anyone who wants to obtain their SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation levels) a
Fast and Accurate Measurements: Our fully automatic wrist blood pressure machine provides fast and precise results, simply press the "START/STOP" button, and the measurement process takes 35 seconds; the device automatically turns off after 60 sec
Elevate your experience with our 3D metal puzzles for adults and wooden puzzles for adults. Meticulously crafted from high-grade metal and quality wood, our puzzles guarantee a sleek touch, robustness, and safety without any sharp edges.
EKG ON THE GO: Capture unlimited medical-grade EKGs in 30 seconds and get an instant analysis right on your smartphone. Kardia Mobile is small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take it with you anywhere.
Home & Kitchen
Crafted with 0.5mm carbon steel with non-stick grey coating, our baking sheet set can stay with you for many years. They're guaranteed oven-safe up to 450 °F (232°C). Silicone handles make handling easy and safe.
Kickstart your baking aspirations with this all-in-one baking set. You’ll never have to hunt for missing baking pans again because all the pieces fit neatly into one box. Dishwasher safe for an easy cleanup (hand-wash for best performance).
Capable of paring, coring and slicing; paring only; or slicing and coring only. Coring/slicing blade can be removed for potatoes. Clamp Base.
With the PT-D210, you can easily organize and personalize items you want around your home and office. Try out the useful templates with pre-made labels and pattern designs.
Science & Technology
The upgraded ultraviolet light LED can show food stains and pet urine stains on rugs, carpets more clearly, Escolite 51 UV light LED beam covers a larger area, enabling you to locate the affected areas effectively.
Product is tray loading external portable ODD caddy which is suitable to USB 2.0/3.0 connector desktop or laptop.
All Library of Things items must be reserved over the phone.
Sports & Outdoors
Gllysion 15x54 binoculars for adults will elevate your viewing experience with 15x high powered magnification and 54mm extra large objective lens, providing a crisp, clear and sharp view of the smallest details even at longer ranges.
Provides a comprehensive set of tools for children to catch and observe insects in the outdoors.
All Library of Things items must be reserved over the phone.
Heavy Duty & Large Storage: Our foldable wagon has 220LBS load capacity with a spacious 90L capacity.
The gardening tool sets includes a large trowel, small trowel, cultivator, hand rake, weeder, pruning shears and an Oxford cloth tote to keep all your tools packed away, which are robust, so you don't need to worry about rust and damage.
Tools
A must-have collection of tools for home upkeep, gardening, and a variety of other tasks. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including plumbing, automotive, and general use.
Keep your battery fully charged without worrying about overcharging. Our smart charger constantly monitors the battery, allowing you to leave it connected safely - indefinitely - for worry-free maintenance.
MOHEGIA pump is the perfect bike floor pump for anyone. Fits Schrader and Presta valves. Seamless steel pipe allows for easier and faster pumping . Equipped with easy-to-read gauges-up to 160 PSI (11 bar) high pressure capacity.
Bicycle repair kit includes a small tire pump and all tools needed for emergency repairs and maintenance of home bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, etc. The handy carry bag can be attached to the bicycle frame with velcro straps.