Library of Things

Why buy when you can borrow for free?

The Library of Things from the Leon County Public Library offers non-traditional items for checkout with your library card.

Launched in 2022 as part of the Essential Libraries Initiative, the Library of Things helps residents save money and reduce waste through a "try-before-you-buy" model. By providing access to home repair tools, recreational equipment, and disaster preparedness items, the collection promotes sustainability, community resilience, and lifelong learning for all.

Items in the Collection

The library has dozens of items available for checkout to support the community’s needs and interests, with new items added regularly.

• Electronics: Borrow a portable DVD player, outdoor movie kit, or GoPro cameras to capture your next adventure.
• Games and Recreation: Enjoy the great outdoors with kayaks, pickleball sets, birdwatching kits (including binoculars), or metal detectors.
• Home and Garden: Access retractable ladders, gardening equipment, and pressure washers, drills, and other tools for DIY repairs.
• Musical Instruments: Make music with a keyboard, electric drum pad, and more before committing to a purchase of your own.

How It Works

Borrowing items from the Library of Things is simple.

1. Browse our Library of Things online catalog to see what’s available.
2. Place a hold on the item(s) you want.
3. Come to the Leon County Main Library with your library card and photo ID to check out your item(s).
4. Enjoy your item(s) for two weeks.
5. Return your item(s) to the Leon County Main Library by the due date.

Library of Things Guidelines

• A valid library card number and PIN are required to reserve an item. You must be 18 years old or older to check out items from the Library of Things.
• Reservations must be made three days in advance of the checkout start date.
• Items must be picked up from and returned to the Leon County Main Library.
• The person named on the reservation must be present at checkout. Please bring your photo ID and library card to check out.
• The library card must be in good standing, with no fines or fees, at the time of checkout.
• A User Agreement and Liability Waiver must be signed at checkout.
• Reservations will be held for three days. If items are not picked up, the reservation will be cancelled.
• The loan period begins on the reservation start date not the item pick-up date.
• The loan period is two weeks and items cannot be renewed.
• A total of two items from the Library of Things may be reserved and/or checked out at once.
• Library staff cannot give instructions on the use of an item. Please see user manuals or links provided in the Library of Things online catalog.
• A 10% cleaning fee may be assessed if an item is returned dirty.
• There is a $5/day late fee for all items.

If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions for new Library of Things items, please call (850) 606-2665.