Above: Some of the items patrons can check out of the Southborough Library include fun, educational and practical resources.
It occurred to me that it’s been quite a while since I informed readers about the “More than Books” circulating collection at the Southborough Library. Most of you probably realize that you can borrow DVDs, CDs, video games, and museum passes. But you may not be aware of the other other fun or practical items they lend out to the public.
Items can even help introduce new hobbies for kids and adults.
These special items aren’t “reservable” in advance. For most, you’ll need to see a staff member about availability and to check them out.
Most need to be returned in 3 weeks, with no renewals allowed. And all must be returned to the circulation desk during normal library hours (not dropped off in a return bin.)
I’m going to split these up into two main categories:
Fun/Educational Items
Telescopes
Check out the stars and planets at night! The library has two circulating telescopes for the public to borrow. (And, of course, the library has plenty of helpful books to help you identify/learn more about what you’re looking at.)
Part of the Adopt-A-Library Telescope initiative from the Aldrich Astronomical Society. One was funded by the Southborough Cultural Arts Council with help from The Friends of the Southborough Library, while the other was donated by MathWorks in Natick.
Ukuleles
Ukuleles are now available for checkout! It is always a great time to try something new and this fun and easy-to-learn instrument will not disappoint.
Simply stop by the Southborough Library to borrow this brand new and charming instrument. The box comes with a ukulele, a bag, and tuner. No musical talent is included. But the library also offers books and e-books covering instructions and songbooks. (And there are plenty of how-to lessons available online.)
Funding for ukuleles was provided by the Southborough Education Foundation.
Chess Sets
Whether you’re a master or want to learn the game of kings, take advantage of the library’s traveling chess sets. Each includes a timer, fabric board, the pieces, and instructions for how to play.
Board Games
Get your game on! The Southborough Library has a variety of board games available to play in the library or check out and play at home with family and friends.
Activity kits for young kids
Entertain preschool aged kids with an educational activity kit backpack. Each backpack has a different theme (indoor fun, farm animals, cats, dogs, the human body, etc.) Contents vary, including items like books, puppets, stuffed animals, toys and games.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles of varying difficulty are available to check out from the library. Bring one home to work on at your own pace.
Playaway Stories
In addition to books, e-books, and audiobooks on CD, the library lends these items that allow patrons to directly listen to a book, through headphones plugged into a screen free Playaway device. They are available for many children’s and YA books. (Unlike the other items listed, you can reserve these online, renew them, and return them in the outdoor bin.)
Gardening Resources
Gardening Kits
These kits include 2 trowels, a mini rake, a small seat, clippers, as well as garden gloves. You can search our catalog and visit our Main Floor Circulation Desk upstairs to ask about borrowing this item.
The kits were made possible by a grant from the Library Services & Technology Act distributed by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
- You can also read the library’s online gardening guides:
- Plus, if you’re looking for something to plant, check out the library’s Seed Exchange.
Electronic Resources
Circulating Mobile Hotspots
A hotspot provides patrons with internet access for phones, computers, tablets, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices. They’re great for travel (though they need to be in an area with T-Mobile cellular service to work).
Each comes with an instruction manual, charging cord, and case. (Please remember to fully recharge it before returning.)
The program is provided via Mobile Beacon for Nonprofits in coordination with TechSoup and support from The Friends of the Southborough Library.
Energy Use Meters
You can measure the electrical usage of your household appliances with the Kill-a-Watt kit from National Grid. Use it to identify which appliances are using the most energy!
There’s also a booklet with the kit that includes energy conservation tips and information about energy savings rebates and program available through National Grid and Mass Save.
Projector
Maybe you need to make a formal presentation to a group. Or maybe you’d like to hold a movie night. Either way, the library’s circulating Epson Projector is available to borrow. (Borrowers must sign the Projector Lending Agreement and will be responsible for replacement costs if the device is damaged.)
For more details on the library’s More than Books collection, click here.
