What Is a Library of Things?

A Library of Things is a collection of unique or useful items that promotes lifelong learning and creativity and expands the boundaries of traditionally defined library materials. It supports the “sharing economy” and offers an opportunity to “try before you buy,” to save money, or to test out something you might not have come across otherwise.

How Does a Library of Things Work?

You can check out the Library of Things items just as you would a book or DVD. However, some of the items may have special check out times or lending instructions. There are two Library of Things collections: 1 Day Play (things for ages 9 and up that can be checked out for 24 hrs) or our general Library of Things (things for ages 18 and up that can be checked out for 5 days and require a Borrowers’ Agreement).

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Lending Guidelines

All Things are available for checkout to Hales Corners Library adult cardholders aged 18 and older with a library account in good standing. Patrons must have a Library of Things Borrowers’ Agreement on file.

Items in the 1-Day Play Collection may be checked out by patrons 9 and up with a library card in good standing and do not require a Library of Things Borrowers’ Agreement. 1-Day Play items do not allow holds or renewals.

You may only have 2 Library of Things items checked out at the same time. Items have a 5-day loan period, unless otherwise noted.  You must return the item by the return date specified.  5- day items may be renewed once if there are no holds. 

Hales Corners Library Things must be picked up and returned to the Hales Corners Library. If a hold is placed for a Hales Corners Library 5-day loan item for a location other than Hales Corners Library, the hold will be cancelled

Please return Things INSIDE the Hales Corners library, not in the drop box. All parts of Things and the accompanying materials in the original container must be returned.

A replacement cost will be charged for Things not returned within 10 days of its due date or if Things are returned damaged or incomplete. 

The borrower agrees to protect save and keep the Village of Hales Corners, the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director, their agents and employees forever free and harmless, and indemnified against any and all costs or expense arising out of any accident or other occurrence causing injury to any persons or property as a result of using any item in the Library of Things.

The Library reserves the right to review and amend these guidelines as it becomes necessary.