Athens County Public Libraries Offers More Than Just Books: Library of Things Program Provides Unique Resources for Community
Athens County Public Libraries Offers More Than Just Books with Library of Things Program
Athens County residents have access to a unique and diverse collection of items through the Library of Things program at Athens County Public Libraries. From sports equipment to board games, and even ghost hunting kits, the library offers a wide range of items for patrons to check out.
Becca Lachman, communications officer at Athens County Public Libraries, shared that the Library of Things was created in response to community requests for access to items they couldn’t afford. People were coming to the library and expressing their desire to have certain items, but not being able to purchase them for themselves.
Traditionally, libraries have offered books, movies, and music, but public libraries are evolving to meet the needs of their communities by providing accessible resources like baking pans and tools. Athens County Public Libraries aims to be a central resource for the community, offering both traditional library services and unique items from the Library of Things.
Patrons can request items from the Library of Things, which are stored at various branches of Athens County Public Libraries and can be checked out like traditional library materials. The library added over 22,000 new items to the Library of Things last year and plans to continue expanding the collection based on community feedback and needs.
Hannah Kittle, outreach librarian at Athens County Public Libraries, shared her personal experience of trying out pickleball equipment from the library before deciding to purchase it. The Library of Things not only allows residents to test items before buying them but also serves as an affordable alternative to conventional rentals.
In addition to the Library of Things, Athens County Public Libraries sponsors the UpCycle Ohio Tool Library, which allows residents to rent tools such as drills and ladders. Items from the Library of Things are also available to residents served by Locker Libraries in Shade, Stewart, Amesville, and New Marshfield.
Overall, the Library of Things program at Athens County Public Libraries provides a valuable service to the community, allowing residents to explore new interests and hobbies without breaking the bank. Whether it’s trying out a new game or testing out a tool before making a purchase, the Library of Things offers a unique and accessible resource for all.
