You can access their digital collections anywhere, but what about what you can physically get by going to a library? Some libraries have a “Library of Things” available at their disposal, which holds a collection of various non-traditional “things” that patrons can check out. Every library branch is different, so offerings available for lending will change, but there are some cool and even some wacky things you can pick up depending on what your library provides! Anything from a jigsaw puzzle exchange to telescopes to WiFi hotspots to handypeople’s tools to attraction passes (like museums, zoos, aquariums, or parks) to sewing machines to sports equipment to board games to instruments to video games to seeds to paintings to craft supplies to children’s toys to video cameras to cricut machines to podcast equipment to camping equipment to blood pressure monitors to metal detectors to electronics. They can have and lend just about anything. No streaming service? No problem! Libraries rent out DVDs, CDs, and on some apps, you can log in with your library card and stream music, TV shows, and movies! 

Libraries are one of our last free “third-places,” which are “public, commercial, or civic locations separate from home (first place) and work (second place) where people can gather, socialize, and build a sense of community… foster[ing] relaxation, connection, and a sense of belonging.” So we should take advantage of them whenever we can. They can provide meeting spaces, quiet study cubicles, and even rooms for clubs and events. They even have free WiFi and public-use devices if you do not have a device to access it on your own.