The Craziest Things at My Library

My mind was blown a few years ago when I first discovered Libby, the app that allows you to access an impossibly large digital collection of your library’s offerings. I have two e-books currently checked out and quite a few holds. It offers not just e-books but also audiobooks and magazines. I’m in love.

But then. But then! I started exploring my local library more, and oh my goodness. Since when did the library start carrying ukuleles for rent? Fishing poles? Puzzles?

My excitement has been interjected into too many conversations with people who also didn’t know the library is for more than just books, and so I’ve thrown together a list of just a few of the wild and wonderful things I’ve found available for check out so far:

• Bubble machine
• Tonie boxes with character sets
• Hand trucks
• Museum pass
• KitchenAid attachments
• Nintendo Switch
• Tools…so many tools!
• Wireless hotspot

Now, if you can spare me a moment of sappiness: this newfound discovery has me optimistic about the future. It feels good to know we’ve figured out how to organize ourselves enough to put this resource together. I can’t confidently say I’ll remember to check the catalog each time I need something for a quick use, but I can say I needed a Bundt pan the other day. And the library has one to borrow.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the kind of world I want to live in. And it’s definitely one where you can borrow a bubble machine from the local library.

Speaking of books…
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