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When you imagine a library, what comes to mind? Do you see shelves stacked with books? People working diligently at the computers? Storytime sing-alongs for kids?

In some ways, that image describes Jessamine County Public Library well. However, we also offer something different you might not yet know about; at JCPL, we have a Library of Things full of unique items you can borrow.

Whether you’d like to take home a ukulele to use while streaming our upcoming online ukulele classes or you’ve spent a lot of time watching birds outside your window while stuck at home and need a bird watching kit, you can borrow what you need from JCPL’s Library of Things.

Earlier this year, when JCPL and many other local establishments were closed because of COVID-19, some Jessamine County residents were already taking advantage of the items available through the Library of Things.

One library-goer checked out a JCPL sewing machine and, while stuck at home because of the pandemic, they set to work making cloth masks to help protect family members, friends, co-workers and even strangers. They also made and donated scrub caps to local emergency department workers, helped friends with mending projects and made lovely furnishings to cozy their space up.

Through JCPL’s Library of Things, we also offer electronic devices that you might find useful – especially if you are navigating technology troubles while participating in virtual learning with your children. We have graphing calculators, Chromebooks, WiFi hotspots and more available for you to take home.

There is a wide variety of instruments you can check out through the Library of Things. You can bring home a banjo, a djembe drum, an electric or acoustic guitar, an electronic keyboard and more.

If you’d like, you can later return to the library and use our Creative Space Recording Studio to record your music and share it with your friends. The recording studio is located inside JCPL and is available by appointment only to those who have taken the short “Intro to the JCPL Creative Space” class.

Take advantage of JCPL’s Library of Things today. You can see a list of items available to borrow by visiting jesspublib.org/library-of-things. Simply put your desired item on hold through the online catalog or give us a call at 859-885-3523 to speak with our knowledgeable staff.

September is library card sign-up month. If you don’t yet have a JCPL library card but would like to access our Library of Things, books, eBooks, audiobooks and online resources including tutoring and homework help, sign-up for your library card today.

Sarah Choate is the marketing and public relations coordinator for Jessamine County Public Library. You can reach her at schoate@jesspublib.org or via phone at 859-885-3523, ext. 266.