So apparently there is a new “trend” in public Libraries. In addition to lending out books – they have started to lend out things! I just read this article in the New York Times which talks about these participating libraries categorizing things in dewey decimal order for people to check out such as sewing machines, musical instruments, board games, and craft-making materials (things like a state-of-the-art bike repair kit are for in-house use only).
I’ve already been hearing about “maker”-spaces in libraries-an idea that I like- but “stuff” libraries take it to a completely different level. More and more libraries seem to also be transforming into community centers. Some people think that the Library should just be for books- but I disagree. I think that a Library should be a place of knowledge. The spirit of learning that is found in books can be found through other mediums as well. Lending out these objects or having them available for patron use could be a great way to bridge the gap between Libraries and the fast-paced modern world.
It will be interesting to see how these “Library of Things” do and to see if this trend catches on. What do you think?