What’s the Late Fee on a Telescope?—How Libraries Are Changing

Traditionally, library cards have been used to gain free access to a wide range of books, but now they’re a way to try out borrowable items including musical instruments, hiking gear, sewing machines, and even seed kits.

Known as “libraries of things,” these growing collections can be found in more than half of the United States’ 9,249 public library districts—and many people still don’t know what’s available in their area.

“We started out with a vision … [that] it would include items that would improve the quality of life for our community,” said April Lammers, principal librarian for digital services for the city of Irvine, told The Epoch Times.

“I think people are looking to simplify their lives while still being able to experience all the things that are out there. … Most people aren’t going to buy a telescope if you live in the city, or if you live in an apartment. Or maybe a keyboard isn’t something you’ll use all the time. 

“We have a bike repair kit and a Cricut kit. Some of these things, you don’t necessarily need every day.”

Lammers said the library did extensive community outreach before opening the program to library card holders only about a year ago. Many items are purchased with special grants or donations.

“We collect suggestions from the public, and so long as it fits with our goals, a lot of the things we added are because our patrons requested them,” she said.

Despite being a new collection, Irvine’s library of things already has something for all tastes, she said. One newly arrived new item is a Chompshop saw, a kid-safe power tool designed to cut through cardboard.

“You can just stick your cardboard on it and make different figures. You can get really creative, especially with Halloween coming up,” she said.

Sandy Gaw, director of the Houston Public Library, said card holders appreciate being able to test items such as musical instruments before writing a big check.

“Patron feedback highlights savings, new skills, and joyful family experiences. Families report discovering new games and even buying favorites after trying them through the library,” Gaw told The Epoch Times.

Gaw said the Houston Public Library’s nontraditional item catalog has grown from 336 items in 2023 to more than 1,800 items across 11 categories.

In that time, usage has remained “consistently high,” she said, with more than half the collection checked out or on hold at any time. Some items, such as metal detectors, are perpetually in demand.

“Many customers describe the library of things as a beloved, consistently exciting resource,” Gaw said.

But somehow, she said, Houston’s collection remains a bit of a hidden gem.

“Despite expansion, many residents still haven’t heard of the program, though awareness often leads to repeat use,” Gaw said

Cheri Fiory, director of the Upper Dublin Public Library in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, said she’s heard from families who’ve benefited from using borrowed math and science kits, “giving children hands-on learning experiences without the cost of purchasing the materials themselves.”

The Upper Dublin library officially launched its library of things program in 2023, but Fiory said its roots go back to the early 2010s. That’s when the library began circulating a small collection of nontraditional items, including Kill A Watt meters, Wi-Fi hot spots, and other technology.

One of the more unexpected items may be free seed kits, which are becoming more popular at libraries of things across the country.

Gaw said seeds rank highly alongside other sought-after items such as musical instruments, metal detectors, and portable Blu-ray players.

At Irvine, Lammers said, “we have a seed library, and as long as you have a card in good standing, you can check out a seed packet. … You obviously don’t need to return the seeds.”

The seasonal seed selection changes, but Lammers said it includes staples such as tomatoes, squash, and herbs.

For many, public libraries remain a vital pillar of the community. There were more than 800 million visits to public libraries in the United States in 2023 alone, data show. The American Library Association estimates that two-thirds of U.S. residents had a public library card as of 2025.

That gives library of things programs potentially significant reach at a time when affordability remains a concern for many Americans. Fifty-five percent said their financial situation is getting worse in 2026, according to a recent Gallup survey.

“As budgets tighten, usage of the collection continues to grow,” Gaw said.