Way Beyond Books: Borrow From Montclair’s ‘Library Of Things’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Need something for a one-time project, or want to “try before you buy?” Now, Montclair residents can borrow a variety of cool stuff from their local public library, including musical instruments, games and gadgets.

On Monday, the Montclair Public Library launched its “Library of Things,” a stockpile of useful items available free to local patrons. Learn more here.

According to the library, the list will expand in the future. It currently includes:

• mini bass and amplifier
• ukulele starter kit
• speaker and microphone
• cassette to CD converter
• video to digital converter
• telescope and microscope
• robot kit
• board games
• bedazzler

To see the full list or place a reservation, visit montclairlibrary.org/borrow/things or call 973-744-0500, ext. 2232. Borrowers must present a Montclair Public Library card at the designated pickup location (Main Library or Bellevue Avenue Branch). Only one thing per library card may be borrowed at a time, and the loan period varies per item. Late fees and replacement costs for damaged things apply.

“We are always looking for ways to be a better library,” director Janet Torsney said.

“Beyond books, there’s a whole world of things we can lend out to our community,” Torsney said, adding a “special thanks” to Bellevue Avenue branch manager Kristen Comeaux and head of borrower services Tom Hoesly for helping to launch the new collections.

The Library of Things is supported by the Montclair Public Library Foundation.

SEED LIBRARY

In addition to the Library of Things, the MPL launched a “Seed Library” in March that offers a variety of free seed packets to anyone, with no library card required.

The Seed Library focuses on plants that are native, pollinator-friendly, and/or edible, with the goals of fostering resilience, preventing hunger, and promoting nutrition in the community. To see a list of available seeds, which are currently available at the Bellevue Avenue branch only, visit montclairlibrary.org/borrow/seeds or call 973-744-0500, ext. 2283.

The Seed Library is funded by Friends of the Bellevue Avenue Library and includes seed donations by Hudson Valley Seed Company.

The Library of Things and Seed Library add to a nationwide trend of circulating non-traditional items, expanding the role of libraries as community hubs and spaces for sharing. Over the past few years, the MPL has offered other non-traditional items such as wi-fi hotspots, Chromebooks, Kindles, museum passes and activity kits for senior citizens.

• See Related: Montclair Library Reaches Out To Seniors With 'Activity Kits'
• See Related: In Montclair: Library Patrons Can Get Free Museum Passes

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