The Newburgh Free Library announced the launch of a new service that will continue its evolution to a full-service community hub. The new “Library of Things,” which begins on July 29, will go beyond traditional public library services and offer patrons the opportunity to borrow select items they may need to use for a brief period of time or more expensive items to try out before making a major purchase.

“For quite some time now, libraries have had to evolve and grow with the times. No longer a place where patrons can get ‘just books,’ libraries have become a place where community members can access the internet, get help with a job search and take a variety of classes to learn and grow at little to no cost,” said Theresa Zacek, Assistant Director at the Newburgh Free Library. Spearheading this effort is Emerging Technologies Librarian Sue Scott, who said, “We are proud of this next evolution in the services we provide to offer our patrons and encourage everyone to take advantage of this latest opportunity.”

By definition, a Library of Things can cover myriad items that a patron would only potentially need once in a while. Or something expensive that could be tested out before an investment is made.

Newburgh’s Library of Things will include a variety of non-traditional materials. Smaller ticket items include label makers, stud finders, and basic tools for home-based projects, while more expensive personal electronic equipment will include items such as GoPros, Cricuts, iPads, and podcasting equipment.

The length of time to borrow items from the Library of Things will be 3 weeks and patrons may take two Library of Things items at a time, and will be offered at no cost to patrons that have an active Newburgh Free Library card in good standing.

For more information and to check out all of our offerings, visit our Library of Things guide online at guides.rcls.org/nfllot.

The Library of Things is launching at the Newburgh Free Library main branch, located at 124 Grand Street Newburgh.