By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Public Library is offering a new option for patrons who are looking for something other than a new book to read.

The Library of Things, introduced in April, is available for adult patrons in good standing who have no overdue or lost items and no fines over $10. A Facebook post described some of the items available to patrons.

“Need a tool for a quick fix? Want to pump up balloons for a party? Planning a game night? Need a Chromebook or mobile hotspot for work or school? We’ve got you covered,” the post read.

The new project encourages resource sharing and sustainability, helping the Pelham community save money and reduce waste by providing items like board games, STEM kits, tool sets and tech items. The Library of Things display is near the front desk of the Pelham Public Library on the first floor. Patrons can pick up the display case of the desired item and bring it to the Circulation Desk, where a staff member will then retrieve the real item from the storage shelf in the library.

Melanie Carden, Pelham Public Library’s library supervisor, explained that the inspiration to launch the Library of Things came from public libraries across the country offering a similar option. These libraries could include anything from tools, electronics, recreational equipment and more.

“After looking around at some items we already owned at Pelham Public Library, we wanted to jump on the bandwagon,” Carden said. “It all started with our board games. Our large collection of board games was previously used for game nights and events at the library in years past, but attendance had since tapered off. Our solution was to allow patrons to enjoy these items in the comfort of their own home.”

More than 80 items in the Library of Things were already previously owned by the Pelham Public Library, but donations to the new entity are encouraged.

“We hope that our Library of Things, much like our regular library collection, promotes sustainability by encouraging sharing and the ability to try items before you buy,” Carden said. “If you need a tool set for a one-time project, we have one for you. If you have friends coming over for game night but don’t want to spend a lot of money on new games, you can put a game on hold to pick up before the event.”

According to Carden, the Library of Things is based on the “lend instead of buy” principle and reduces the environmental impact of over-consumption. Furthermore, the new option promotes community belonging and mutual learning. Carden briefly described some of the most popular and unique items currently available at the Library of Things.

“Our most popular items so far have been the kid-friendly board games, such as Battleship, Guess Who? and Candyland,” Carden said. “The unique items range from a floppy disk reader to a portable electric balloon pump.”

To browse the collection in the Library of Things, visit Tinyurl.com/PelhamLOT. Those interested in donating to the Library of Things can email Carden at mcarden@pelhamalabama.gov or call the library at 205-620-6418.