The Santa Barbara Public Library goes way beyond books, offering loans of expensive gear you may only use once in a while — think about the savings on money and resources!
Libraries are synonymous with books, and with digital media taking up more and more of our attention, you’d think libraries are waning in importance. You’d be wrong. Libraries all over are changing with the times, offering digital amenities and services way beyond the stacks of books.
Thinking about taking up birding or astronomy, but can’t afford binoculars or a telescope? Look no further (pun intended).
But it’s not just digital resources available at the Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL). Check out the Library of Things for residents to enjoy. Want to try a guitar or ukulele? They have those. Thinking about taking up birding or astronomy, but can’t afford binoculars or a telescope? Look no further (pun intended). Paddleboard? Fishing pole? Tents? SBPL has got you.
The Library of Things is a great way for adults and kids to try out new learning activities without shelling out for expensive gear that may only be used once or twice. And by sharing these resources, it’s eco-friendly too.
The program started in 2017 with Early Literacy Kits to help children learn to love reading, and it grew from there as the library partnered with different organizations. Paige Sundstrom, who oversees the adult-focused Library of Things collection (another librarian handles the kid stuff), says that, “over the last six or seven years more public libraries have added ‘things’ to their collections.”
The Library of Things has served thousands of patrons and has “grown out of patrons’ interests and needs,” says Paige. “Over the years, the collection has also grown through partnerships and grants, such as with Girls Rock for the musical instruments and the California State Parks for the Adventure Packs.”
Over the last six or seven years, more public libraries have added ‘things’ to their collections.
– Librarian Paige Sundstrom
As of May, SBPL even has free passes for the BCycle e-bike-share program, with its fleet of ebikes to get you around town without firing up the car. Other partnerships have led to passes for museums and parks, so patrons can save money and experience the natural and cultural glory of Santa Barbara at the same time.
Paige says the Library of Things will continue to grow, and accepts donations, but that the process of adding physical objects may depend on complex factors such as how much space they have, and how much expertise is required.
Programs like the Library of Things help the environment in several ways. First, they help people experience the outdoors without filling up garages and basements with rarely used equipment. Second, they help teach kids (and adults) about both the outdoors and sharing. Third, they help build a sense of community that’s always critical when confronted with challenges, environmental and otherwise. Take advantage of this free, easy, and fun way to be a good steward of the environment
