Does your library offer a Library of Things? Have you been considering it? What would your patrons love to check out that isn’t a book? We asked librarian Jessikah Chautin from Syosset Public Library on Long Island, NY to tell us more about their ever-growing Library of Things. She shares which items are the most popular, what patron feedback has been, and tells us what her personal favorite item is. (Hint: It’s refreshing!) 🍧
Q: When did Syosset Public Library start the Library of Things?
A: The Library of Things began around the Fall of 2019. I didn’t start it! It was a collaboration between a few librarians, only one of whom is still here. I took it over in 2021.
Q: How has the Library of Things grown or changed over the years?
A: Originally, the collection focused mostly on technology. We had tools, and of course, hotspots with internet service, Go-Pros, and a small collection of board games.
Since then, we’ve really built out the board game collection. Post Covid, ‘game night’ has become a big routine for many people. The demand was high, so we made sure to have a variety of offerings that would appeal to different age groups and types of gamers.
We also began to add more outdoor games, and giant games such as a four-foot-tall Connect Four. I also added more crafting items such as a Cricut Joy™ and a sewing machine.
Crafts really took off during the pandemic as well and I saw opportunity in how we could serve our community with this in mind.
Q: What is your favorite item offered? Funniest item? Most popular item?
A: My favorite item, personally is the snow cone machine! Maybe it’s because I always wanted one myself. The summers have been hot. Snow cones are refreshing.
The funniest item is probably the inflatable rainbow sprinkler. Everyone always smiles when they see it. The most popular item are the lendable hotspots. We live in a connected world and being able to access the internet on a trip is essential. Those are nearly always booked.
Q: What has the patron feedback been like?
A: Patrons are very happy with the collection. We get compliments all the time, as well as suggestions for new acquisitions. We can’t accommodate everything, but we keep an open mind.
Q: What advice would you give to a library looking to create a Library of Things?
A: If I was to share anything to libraries who are looking to start a Library of Things or expand their own, I would say to keep an open mind. Who is your community, what items might they want based on the current trends? And don’t shy away from a challenge.
Jessikah with her favorite Library of Things item: a snow cone machine!
