When people think of the public library, I’m
fairly certain that books come to mind before all else. Of course libraries
have lots of programs and events, and lend a multitude of other materials such
as movies, museum passes, and even video games. Nowadays tech-savvy folks also take
advantage of “virtual” collections of e-books, audiobooks and streaming video.
Over the years the Morrill Memorial Library started thinking outside the box
and lending puzzles, knitting needles, cake pans and electronics including
Wi-Fi hotspots and GoPro video cameras. Whether we realized it or not at the
time, we created, in library parlance, a “Library of Things.”
Lending “things” is becoming increasingly common
in public libraries, and here in Norwood the community is embracing the
phenomenon. Always aiming to please, we recently expanded our collection of
household items, arts and crafts tools, portable electronics, games, and much
more.
Did you know that you can come to the library and
check out: a metal detector, a device to diagnose why your check engine light
is on, a picnic basket, a ukulele, a knife sharpener, or a karaoke machine? How
about a food dehydrator, color blind glasses, or a portable turntable that also
converts LPs to digital audio files? Now that spring has finally arrived, the
library can fulfill many of your outdoorsy needs with: a soil tester, tennis
rackets, a cricket set, bike repair tools, and a birdwatching kit.
Purists may wonder why public libraries would venture
in this direction and perhaps stray from their traditional purpose. Are they
following a fleeting trend? Jumping on the latest bandwagon? I daresay no! On
the contrary, we here at the Morrill Memorial Library are staying true to our
mission statement: “The Morrill Memorial Library is a vital community center
which provides innovative and effective services to all users to enrich their
lives with cultural, educational and recreational programs and materials.”
We respond to the needs and wants of the diverse
Norwood community, and aim to “enrich lives” in a variety of ways. Of course
books and film still play a major role in carrying out this promise, but why
not offer “things” as well, allowing visitors to create art, repair their
homes, entertain guests, and pick up new hobbies? As with traditional library
materials, we help our Norwood neighbors to save money by borrowing rather than
buying, or to “try before you buy.” Hearkening back to our mission statement,
we certainly hit the mark for innovation when lending out our dog training kit
or disco lights. We honor cultural diversity in music traditions, offering patrons
maracas, a guiro, an afuche cabasa, and a set of Indian tabla drums to bring
home. In our educational role, patrons may learn how to embroider by checking
out books on embroidery, accompanied by actual embroidery hoops. As for the
recreational goal, the backyard horseshoes set speaks for itself.
You may have seen selections from our Library of
Things on display upon entering the library recently, but as we acquired more
and more, our staff decided to make room for a large browsing collection on the
second floor. Sure, anyone may search our online catalog for “postage scale” or
“scientific calculator,” but it sure is fun to window shop the shelves and
discover what’s new. Speaking of which, what’s the deal with the “companion
cat?!” As much as I’d love to have furry friends in the library and share them
with our pet-loving community, I fear we’d be guilty of animal cruelty laws or
health code violations. We did, however, just acquire a “Joy for All” Companion
Cat, by Hasbro. I named him Morrie and adore him already. Turn him on and this
cutie meows, purrs and cuddles in response to scratches and pats. At first
blush one may think we’ve taken this Library of Things, thing, too far, but
allow me to explain. Morrie is not just a toy like the jumping little doggies
at the entrances of mall toy stores. Hasbro markets its Joy for All pets to
ages 5-105, emphasizing their ability to “bring comfort, companionship, and fun to elder
loved ones.” Think of Morrie as a therapy cat that never needs litterbox
cleaning or trips to the vet.
Morrie
the Morrill Memorial Library cat may fall into the category of assistive
technology available to borrow. Along these lines, our Outreach department
lends a variety of magnifiers and other devices for those with vision or
hearing impairments. Come borrow a folding walker, cane or reacher if you or a
loved one has a temporary mobility setback.
Attention
local book clubs: the Norwood library owns over 20 book club kits – sets of ten
books along with discussion questions and author bios. Next time your book group
meets, no need for every member to spend money on the book or compete for a
limited number of copies in the Minuteman network. Borrow the book bag and
distribute them amongst yourselves.
Our
website will soon feature a page devoted to the Library of Things, but in the
meantime, browse our online catalog, or stop by to see it for yourself and peruse
a guide to the collection on the first or second floor. Our Facebook page has a
Library of Things photo album as well.
The
library purchased some of our circulating things just for fun and to get
everyone excited about all the new stuff we have for you. After all, today’s public
libraries are a far cry from stuffy institutions full of dusty books, steadfast
researchers and shushing librarians. Our shelves have no shortage of beach
reads and rom-coms, hardly designed for serious academic pursuits. Many other
items though, have educational, cultural, and otherwise life-enriching
purposes, even Morrie (4 C batteries included).
