What’s the Late Fee on a Telescope?—How Libraries Are Changing
Sep 17, 2026 · 7 min · 5 segments
If you need to borrow a tool or an electric keyboard for the weekend, head on down to the nearest library of things. Read the original report…
Sep 17, 2026 · 7 min · 5 segments
If you need to borrow a tool or an electric keyboard for the weekend, head on down to the nearest library of things. Read the original report…
Colin FredericksonHostLibrary cards have traditionally been used to check out books, magazines, movies, and other media.
But across the country, libraries are increasingly becoming places where people can try tools, hobbies, and experiences without having to buy the equipment themselves.
These collections now exist in more than half of the nation's 9,249 public library districts.
Instead of purchasing something expensive that you may only use once or twice, you can borrow it from the library.
It might mean checking out a keyboard before deciding whether your child really wants music lessons.
Or it might mean borrowing a cricket kit, a bike repair kit, a sewing machine, or a seed packet.
April Lammers, principal librarian for digital services for the city of Irvine, told the Epoch Times that Irvine started its collection with a broad community vision.
She said the goal was to include items that would improve quality of life.
Lammer said many people are looking to simplify their lives while still being able to experience new things.
Most people, she said, are not going to buy a telescope if they live in a city or an apartment.
The public can suggest items, and many of the objects are purchased through grants or donations.
One of Irvine's newest items is a chomp shop saw, a kid-safe power tool designed to cut cardboard.
Lammers said it gives children a creative way to build figures and projects, especially with Halloween coming up.
Sandy Gaw, director of the Houston Public Library, said cardholders value the chance to try items before spending money on them.
Families can test whether a child likes an instrument or whether a game, tool, or device is worth buying without making a large purchase first.
Now it has more than 1,800 items across 11 categories, and demand has stayed high.
Library cards have traditionally been used to check out books, magazines, movies, and other media.
But across the country, libraries are increasingly becoming places where people can try tools, hobbies, and experiences without having to buy the equipment themselves.
These collections now exist in more than half of the nation's 9,249 public library districts.
Instead of purchasing something expensive that you may only use once or twice, you can borrow it from the library.
It might mean checking out a keyboard before deciding whether your child really wants music lessons.
Or it might mean borrowing a cricket kit, a bike repair kit, a sewing machine, or a seed packet.
April Lammers, principal librarian for digital services for the city of Irvine, told the Epoch Times that Irvine started its collection with a broad community vision.
She said the goal was to include items that would improve quality of life.
Lammer said many people are looking to simplify their lives while still being able to experience new things.
Most people, she said, are not going to buy a telescope if they live in a city or an apartment.
The public can suggest items, and many of the objects are purchased through grants or donations.
One of Irvine's newest items is a chomp shop saw, a kid-safe power tool designed to cut cardboard.
Lammers said it gives children a creative way to build figures and projects, especially with Halloween coming up.
Sandy Gaw, director of the Houston Public Library, said cardholders value the chance to try items before spending money on them.
Families can test whether a child likes an instrument or whether a game, tool, or device is worth buying without making a large purchase first.
Now it has more than 1,800 items across 11 categories, and demand has stayed high.
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