Inspired by me learning that I can check out solar panels (hiking sized, not house sized) at the library.
My library has really good access to online catalogs with ebooks, audiobooks, music, and movies. I rarely come across a fiction book I want to read that isn’t available, all without even having to go into the physical library.
“Lots of books” may not be the answer you were expecting, but the volume of media they have access to is truly notable compared to any other library system I’ve ever been a member of.
My library has something called discovery kits. They’re large bags with everything you would need to try out a specific activity. There’s all sorts of things, including metal detectors, sewing, astronomy, photography, microscopes, vacuums, anatomy, bike repair, circuits, and so many more. The thing I love about these is that they’re not just a few books about the topic, they really have everything you need. The photography kit has a camera, astronomy has a telescope, sewing has a sewing and embroidery machine, etc.
My local library system has tools, kitchen implements, a recording studio, musical instruments, stem kits for kids, video games, and art.
They need a better inventory system, though, cause all the non-book items are inventoried alongside the books. If you want to rent a shovel, you will see every book with “shovel” in the name before you see any actual shovels.
If we’re talking about the library at the college I go to, besides the wireless hotspots for students that need it, probably all the foreign language DVDs and DVD player (most likely portable)if you don’t have one.
Zoo and museum tickets
Can’t take it home, but I’m currently testing out the 3D printers at my local. They also have a 3D scanner.
Our local library is really cool, it has a recording studio, a makerspace with 3D printers, and a service where you can borrow tools. You can even borrow a radon detector!
Tools, it’s really handy when I needed a thermal camera for a project and didn’t feel like spending hundreds for a tool that would get used once.
How is the renting process for those?
At least at my library, there’s basically just a separate form you have to sign to say that if you chop your hand off with a saw, you won’t hold them liable, and I think there are more strict limits on how long you can rent things, and what the penalties are for being late.
Theremin
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A soil probe and sample boxes. You use the probe to take what looks like a little core sample and send it off in the box to get a soil analysis from the local university extension (for a nominal fee).
a metal detector and a bocce ball set
Danish libraries provide an online streaming service, where you can watch 2-3 movies a month for free. It’s awesome! They even had Everything Everywhere All At Once before any other streaming service here.
Yeah Filmstriben is really good! They also have some really good lesser known movies that are really difficult to find anywhere else.
Car
edit: Electric car from Toyota.
Seriously? Cool!
Small correction. It was a temporary pr campaign by Toyota and Turku library in 2023. It was a success and inspired other car vendors to imitate elsewhere.
edit: Link
Now that is awesome.
My library has a banned book clubs for teenagers.
Books don’t get banned in my country, but they read and discuss books that are banned in other countries.
Also, you can check out a kill-a-watt to monitor your electricity consumption.
