Image credit: Ann Arbor District Library
1. Thermal leak detector – Ann Arbor District Library (Michigan)
2. Table saw – Berkeley Public Library (California)
3. Hedge shears – Fletcher Free Library (Vermont)
4. Wood carving tool set – Grosse Pointe Public Library (Michigan)
5. Energy meter – Jefferson County Public Library (Colorado)
Libraries have been getting some national love recently! NPR’s Keys To The Whole World: American Public Libraries series, an NBC Nightly News piece on unique lending items, not to mention the newly opened BiblioTech digital public library in San Antonio—it’s always refreshing to see libraries talked about in a positive way, especially by those outside Library Land. To highlight some of the amazing services libraries are providing beyond what’s traditionally been expected of them, we’re introducing a new feature called “Beyond Books.” From time to time, we’ll be sharing examples of unique lending programs, events, and outreach that libraries are offering, and we’ll be asking for your input, too! Share your library’s stories with us, and tell us what we’ve missed.
First up? Tools. Of course this is not a new service for libraries to provide, but one that’s been reinvigorated thanks to unique community needs and savvy librarians who know how to respond. What’s the most popular tool lent at your library?