What to Borrow From Your Local Library of Things

Libraries aren’t just for books nowadays. More and more libraries in North Texas are incorporating lending collections known as a Library of Things that provide community access to an array of items. Families can borrow musical instruments, camping gear, gaming systems, telescopes and sports equipment, even kitchen appliances.

By checking out these items, kids can explore new hobbies without impacting the family budget nor parents worry about lack of storage space. And these collections aren’t only geared toward kids—power tools, party supplies and techy gadgets are popular loan items for adults.

Check your local library to see what you can rent for your family, and see below what we’ve found at branches around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Know Before You Go

Ready to explore your library beyond books? First, a few pointers:
• At most libraries, you’ll need to be 18 or older and have a valid library card, which are free if you’re a city resident. If you’re not a resident, you can typically purchase a library card for a fee.
• Items in the Library of Things usually are not out on display like the books. You’ll need to ask a staff member for help and check in and out from the front desk.
• Policies may vary by library, though several rent out these items for a few weeks at time, so you and the kids will have a good amount of time to try out the item you’re borrowing.

BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

One of this library’s points of pride—in addition to earning the Achievement of Library Excellence Award for 11 consecutive years—is its collection of items available for check out. Families can borrow binoculars for birdwatching, a record player for some vintage tunes, or a home theater projector for an epic movie night. Parents can tackle those summer home improvement projects with items like power tools, gardening kits and a carpet cleaner. Grandparents can prepare for visits from the grandkids by borrowing a stroller, playpen or highchair.
Location: 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford
Contact: 817/952-2350
Learn more: bedfordlibrary.org

BENBROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Operating as a special purpose library district, Benbrook enjoys greater flexibility than most public libraries. This means it can directly support the community in unique ways, such as offering an outdoor food pantry and a seed library for gardening enthusiasts. Benbrook’s diverse collection includes musical instruments, gaming stations, laser tag equipment and even cake decorating tools. Kits can be checked out one at a time for up to three weeks—all without spending a dime.
Location: 1065 Mercedes St., Benbrook
Contact: 817/249-6632
Learn more: benbrooklibrary.org

BURLESON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The diverse Library of Things at the Burleson’s library is a treasure trove for kids of all ages and interests. From outdoor camping gear to a magic kit complete with a hat, wand, cape and props, the collection has something to spark every young imagination. The library also lends passes to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Log Cabin Village, so your family can explore these cultural destinations without the burden of paying admission.
Location: 248 SW Johnson Ave., Burleson
Contact: 817/426-9210
Learn more: burlesontx.com

COPPELL’S COZBY LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY COMMONS

Jumbo Jenga, a Yoto Mini audio player and various musical instruments are on loan here. Borrowers can strum their first chords on a ukulele that comes with everything you need to get started right away: a gig bag, clip-on digital tuner, instructional DVD, and even a polishing cloth. Those eager to explore the world of coding can kickstart their journey with Ozobot, a tiny yet mighty smart toy robot.
Location: 177 N. Heartz Road, Coppell
Contact: 972/304-3658
Learn more: coppelltx.gov

DENTON’S NORTH BRANCH LIBRARY

Here you’ll find one of the largest collections of items on loan with more than 100 discovery kits intended for kids of all ages. Some of the hands-on activities children can experience at home include a forensics kit that teaches how to lift fingerprints and use logic skills to crack a case like a detective, as well as an electrical engineering kit that uses real motors and hardware to design and build robotic creations. Materials here are not just geared for fun, but also address basic life skills like healthy eating habits, setting a table, following directions and counting money.
Location: 3020 N. Locust St., Denton
Contact: 940/349-8752
Learn more: library.cityofdenton.com

FARMERS BRANCH’S MANSKE LIBRARY

Farmers Branch’s Manske Library has a sophisticated and high-tech collection including robots that assist in teaching kids basic coding and programing, tools that introduce real working circuits and fiber optics and 3D printers. It’s also stocked with equipment for young learners wanting to get experience in gardening, sewing or pickleball. An easy-to-use fishing combo of Zebco rods and reels and tackle box that is on loan from Texas Parks & Wildlife allows parents to make priceless memories with their little anglers.
Location: 13613 Webb Chapel Road, Farmers Branch
Contact: 972/247-2511
Learn more: farmersbranchtx.gov

GRAND PRAIRIE TEXAS LIBRARIES

Grand Prairie’s Library of Things items include a cotton candy machine, gear to record a podcast and a sewing machine. STEM kits are also on loan for kids and provide educational toys, books, experiments and models geared toward topics like ocean life, magnets, the night sky, weather and solar energy. To have a kit transferred to a branch library near you, place a hold on it in the catalog and select the pickup location. It’s also worth noting that Grand Prairie has a stellar tool sharing program. For chore time, adults can borrow anything they need for yard maintenance, pressure washing, fence repair and painting.
Location: 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie
Contact: 972/237-5700
Learn more: gptx.org/library

LITTLE ELM PUBLIC LIBRARY

This collection is perfect for little ones who are environmentally conscious. Check out Lakefront Discovery Packs with themes of water, nature and insects, as well as gear promoting science, technology, engineering and math. A litter toolkit featuring a vest, grabber and gloves teaches children a lesson in keeping your community clean. Each kit can be checked out for up to three weeks at a time.
Location: 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy., Little Elm
Contact: 214/975-0430
Learn more: littleelm.org

ROWLETT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Kids will gladly ditch the screens for this collection of games and interactive kits. Using their imagination supported by the equipment and tools offered in the library’s STEAM kits, young animal lovers can experience being a veterinarian for a day. Future engineers can construct their own structures out of building instruments and budding astronomers will discover the position, order and size of the planets using inflatable models and projected images of the solar system.
Location: 3900 Main St., Ste. 200, Rowlett
Contact: 972/412-6161
Learn more: rowletttx.gov

Top image courtesy of Burleson Public Library

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