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Colleton County Library rolls out 'Library of Things' with MiFi hotspots, sewing machines and science kits
Summary
Library staff presented a new 'Library of Things' collection—MiFi hotspots, microscopes, sewing machines, stop-motion kits and other makerspace items—available to cardholders, along with makerspace days and a one-week checkout policy for most items.
Library staff told Colleton County Council on April 6 that the county library system has launched a "Library of Things" allowing cardholders to check out nontraditional items ranging from Verizon MiFi hotspots to sewing machines, digital microscopes, TI-84 calculators, stop-motion kits, 3D printers and a blogging/GoPro kit.
The presenter said the MiFi hotspots circulate for three weeks and other items are available for shorter checkouts (one week for many pieces) because the collection is still limited. "These are through Verizon and just about everywhere in the county you can get service... these are one of our hottest items that we can't hardly keep on the shelf right now," the presenter said.
Youth librarian Jamie McClellan described hands-on uses: homeschool classes that borrow microscopes and stop-motion kits, and a makerspace day scheduled monthly for the community to try equipment including 3D printers. Staff said some blood-pressure monitoring kits were donated by the American Heart Association and that the library will continue to expand the collection based on patron interest.
Council members thanked staff and suggested demonstrating some of the equipment for council at future meetings; library staff encouraged residents to check items out and to attend makerspace events.
