Johnson County Public Library offers more than just books and movies.
JCPL, like many other libraries, has a “Library of Things.” What is a library of things? It is a collection of, things, items that you may not typically think of checking out from your library. We have everything from board and video games to Enchroma glasses to help those with colorblindness. All you need is a JCPL or Reciprocal Borrower’s card in good standing to check out any of the items mentioned here.
Why make use of the JCPL Library of Things? With summer just around the corner and kids out of school, you may be looking for something to keep them active and engaged. We have both museum and pool passes that can be checked out to allow you to explore those area destinations. The Library of Things also has outdoor games, such as Bocce Ball, corn hole, croquet, Jazzminton, Ladder Toss, Pickleball or Yardzee yard dice.
Looking for something that the entire family can enjoy together? We have a variety of board games, video games, a portable video projector and DVD player for hosting outdoor movie nights, cake pans and birding backpacks. For more expensive items, such as Enchroma glasses, sewing machines or musical instruments, you could save money by testing them before you buy them for yourself or someone else. STEAM kits are another popular item in our Library of Things. There are kits for all ages and a variety of interests, such as building, creating and stargazing. These kits, as well as our musical instruments, will help your student continue learning all summer long.
Late spring and early summer are also a popular time to plant gardens. Do you need items like pruners, tillers and gloves? If so, check out our gardening tool bag to help you get your garden started. If those April showers show up late, check out an umbrella to help keep you dry while you’re out and about.
This summer, check out an item from the Library of Things and create, discover and explore all summer long. To see a full list of the items available in this collection, visit PageAfterPage.org/LOT. Please share pictures or a quick word on what you checked out and how you were able to create, explore, and discover, on our Facebook/JCPLIN or Instagram/JCPLIN pages with #JCPLlot.
Stefanie Davis, White River Branch Library Adult Services Librarian. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
