Library Director Stori Snyder showing a sample of items offered.
Other memory kits in the Library of Things include activities and material to explore art and different parts of the world.
Tables and chairs are library property, are usually kept in storage, and brought out only for special events, but Snyder said libraries are by nature frugal, and it made sense to lend them out to help people get through a one-day event.
“ That’ s what we do here, we share stuff,” she said. Checkout times vary from one to three weeks.
Family-focused backpacks are available to check out, including a nature-themed one which includes a state park pass, field guides, binoculars, and a magnifying glass. Another backpack sponsored by the Special Olympics includes items and activities for special needs children.
The library also has“ hot spots” available for checkout, which allow users connection to the internet without paying for the service but is not intended as a replacement for Internet hookup. There is always a hold list for the limited number of hot spots available, and service to individual units are suspended the morning they are due back. These units can be checked out for a one-week period. A bank of computers is available for public use during regular library hours.
Sidewalk kits can be checked out for use on the sidewalks in the library’ s children’ s garden, and Legos and other items can be used inside the library.
“ Kids get tired of the things they have at home, and toys are expensive,” Snyder said.“ This is a great way for a family to come here and let the kids play with new toys.” Local tax money is not used for the Library of Things, with 90 percent of the funds for items coming from discretionary funds raised by the Friends of the Library nonprofit group. Other items are purchased with grants or donated to the library, such as the robotic pets.
Friends of the Library recently raised funds to purchase an electric vehicle for the library staff. Money raised, in conjunction with a $ 15,000 grant from the Brown County Community Foundation, purchased the Toyota vehicle to replace a 2009 Dodge Caravan.
Solar panels and charging stations installed in the library parking lot in 2022 mean the library now has zero fuel costs for its vehicle, and the library’ s electricity costs have been eliminated except for a monthly connectivity fee. The library installed an array of 324 solar panels, costing nearly $ 850,000, without raising taxes or going into debt. The savings are
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