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Library of Things

When you think of a Library, you probably think of books, periodicals, audiobooks, and movies. Hampshire County Public Library has many great services to offer besides an excellent collection, though. We also have a Library of Things!

HCPL library cardholders can reserve an array of useful and educational items and check them out for free, for one or two weeks at a time. Current materials are primarily hobby, craft, and technology based, but the library is always looking to add more materials to our collection. Keep checking back!

To reserve items, you’ll need a Hampshire County Public Library card. Don’t have a library card? No problem! Stop by the circulation desk and sign up with proof of Hampshire County address.

List of Things

Activity Backpacks
(Each backpack is themed around a set of books curated by Carnegie Mellon. Along with great stories to read together, there are fun activities to play along. We have early elementary math, middle elementary math, insects, and music.)
 
 
 
 
 
Fellowes Star 150 Binding Machine
(Able to punch 12 sheets at a time, you can bind up to 150 pages with a corresponding plastic binding comb, giving your documents a professional touch. The rotary edge guide allows you to center documents and the vertical loader ensures your punches are consistent. Innovative comb storage tray also comes with a document thickness and comb size guide for added convenience.)
 
 
Blood Pressure Unit
(Mabis blood pressure unit comes with flexible cuff, measuring unit, instruction manual, and charging cord.)
 
 
 
 
Board Games
(Games can be played at the crafting tables in the kids’ section, at the large family table on the balcony, or can be checked out for two weeks.)
 
 
 
 
 
Cake Pans
(We have a dozen shapes to choose from! Visit our catalog and search for “cake pan” to see a full listing or put your choice on hold.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Game Wave 
(This family entertainment system is a hybrid DVD player and home video game console manufactured by ZAPiT Games. Comes with console, both RCA and S-Video cables, 4 DVD remote controllers, controller case, and several games.)
 
Replacement cost $99.
 
 
Wi-Fi Hotspot
(T9 is a LTE Mobile Hotspot that simultaneously supports 15 device connections through built-in Wi-Fi AP. The OLED display with unique icons and text panel can provide easy-to-recognize device service status.)
Replacement cost $150.
 
 
Preloaded Kindle Fire
(Includes Libby and hoopla applications. Comes with Kindle device, charger, charging cable, and protective case. )
 
Replacement cost $50.
 
 
Sewing Machine
(Full size, lightweight, portable sewing machine, great for alterations and everyday sewing. With 10 built in stitches (such as blind hem, zigzag and stretch stitches) you can sew almost any project. Automatic 4 step buttonhole feature allows you to create custom sized buttonholes to fit your specific buttons.)
 
 
STEM Kits
(Featuring four hands-on activities that can be enjoyed with or without internet access and individually or all together, the challenge teaches kids STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science and agriculture.)
 
 
 
USB Stick
 

Guidelines for Borrowing and Use

  1. Limited number of items available. First-come, first-served.
  2. A valid library card with current address and no outstanding fines above $20.00 is required to borrow a Thing.
  3. For certain items, a valid photo ID will be photocopied and retained with the lending agreement prior to Thing checkout.
  4. Borrowers must be 19 years of age or older with an adult library card.
  5. Borrowers must read, understand, and sign the lending agreement at the circulation desk in the presence of a library staff member every time they check out a Thing.

Loan Periods and Fines

Library of Things materials may be borrowed for one or two weeks at a time and cannot be renewed.
The overdue fine is $10 per day, or portion thereof, to a maximum of the material costs.

Proper Use and Liability

The borrower is solely responsible for the Thing and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of things and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse.

All Library of Things materials must be returned to the front desk. Returning materials in the outside book drop is strictly prohibited.

A list of replacement costs of Things is available upon request.

The responsibility to protect against loss is the borrower’s. Patrons will be responsible for any damage to a Thing while in their possession.

The Hampshire County Public Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur while using this equipment.

Multiple instances of equipment being reserved then being neither picked up nor cancelled could result in loss of access to the Library of Things program.