Browse the entire Library of Things collection or select a category below.

Who can borrow a Thing

Due to the unique nature of these materials, only full-service, adult library cardholders may borrow an item from the Library of Things collection. A full-service library card is available to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Berks County and can be used to access digital media services, submit inter-library loan requests, and borrow physical items from library collections (including Library of Things). You can learn more about full- and limited-service library cards by visiting the Get a Library Card webpage.

How to borrow your Thing

All items from the Library of Things collection must be picked up at and returned to the owning library during open hours. Items will not travel through the van delivery service. You can see which library owns the Thing you're looking for by clicking the item in the catalog and scrolling to Availability.

Place a hold request making sure to select the owning library as the pick up location (you'll receive an error message when selecting a different library). You can borrow up to one Thing at any one time for a one-week period. We understand some Things require additional time beyond seven days, so all Library of Things materials have the option to renew one time for an additional week of use. Owning libraries may on occasion allow patrons to borrow more than one item or choose to extend a due date.

How to return your Thing

Full-service, adult cardholders from any Berks County Public Libraries location may borrow items from the Library of Things collection at any library location; however, all Library of Things items must be returned to the owning library where the item was originally borrowed from. Make sure all contents are placed back inside the box/container, and bring your Thing to the library's circulation desk.

Items from the Library of Things collection may not be returned through the library book drop.