Welcome To The Library of Things Collection!
Parkland Community Library is excited to offer our newest collection, the Library of Things. We honor our mission to Connect, Discover, and Grow with our patrons! This unique collection of non-traditional items, gadgets, and electronics is for patrons to borrow. If you’re curious about a specific item, looking to try it before you buy, or have a one-time project, search our Library of Things!
In the future, we are looking forward to expanding this collection.
Who Can Borrow A Thing
Due to the unique nature of these materials, only adult PCL and LCLC cardholders may borrow an item from this collection. You can learn more about our library cards by visiting the Using Your Card webpage.
Borrowing Rules
- Certain materials are limited to one item per household, such as laptops and hotspots. Please view the library’s catalog for the current list of rules and fees that may apply.
- Most items may be borrowed for one week and renewed up to two times as long as no one has requested them.
- All items from the Library of Things collection must be picked up and returned to Parkland Community Library’s circulation desk during regular business hours. Items are only available for pickup at the Parkland Community Library.
Place a hold on an item, just like any other in our collection, using our online catalog or calling the Reference Desk at (610) 398-1361 x106. Search the catalog for “Library of Things,” use the links further down on this page, or call us to get started!
Returning A Thing
Please repack all items into their original lending container or box. Return your borrowed Things to PCL’s circulation desk during regular business hours. Items should NOT be placed in a book drop.
Late Or Damaged Items
Lost Library of Things items are assessed at the library-determined replacement rate. This replacement rate is listed in our online catalog.
Fines and fees vary. All fines and fees can be viewed in our catalog.
Stay Sharp Kits
Themed-Stay Sharp kits are carefully designed for seniors to support mental sharpness and physical activity. PCL has acquired several cognitive development STEM Kits, created to stimulate the mind and support cognitive functions and memory.
The photo features the Ocean-themed kit. Items vary by theme and may include memory games, puzzles, books, STEM tools, and more. Use these kits to strengthen connections between brain cells, improve mental speed and short-term memory, and enhance memory, cognition, and social skills.
Parkland home library patrons can pick up these kits at the reference desk and kindly return them to the circulation desk during library hours.
Laptops to Borrow
Job seekers can borrow a laptop free with their library card and access online career tools. Visit the Borrow a Laptop page to learn more.
Servingware for 12
We now carry dinnerware in Winter Frost White, stainless steel flatware, and clear, reusable acrylic cups.
12 Acrylic Glasses, 12 Corelle Dinner Plates, 12 Corelle Appetizer Plates, 12 Corelle Bowls, 1 Tegan Flateware Set (4 of each: Salad Forks, Dinner Forks, Dinner Knives, Teaspoons, Dinnerspoons), 1 Instructions.
Each bin includes a decor item.
- Bin 1: 6 Gold table Center Pieces
- Bin 2: Mini Chalkboard set (2 Chalk Markers, 20 Chalk Boards, 40 Easel Stand Pieces)
- Bin 3: Gold Garlin.
Please wash and dry all contents before repacking—acrylic cups only (top rack of the dishwasher).
These items are not housed at Parkland. Once a hold is placed, it takes one to three business days for the item to become available.
STEAM to Go! Kits
Each kit has 3 to 4 items; the typical inclusion is one book and 2-3 activities. Parkland home library patrons can borrow these kits from the Barclay Family Children’s Wing and return them to the circulation desk during library hours. Please check them out at the circulation desk first if you intend to play in the library.
These hands-on kits cover many topics from Magnets to Rocks & Fossils, Dinosaurs, Estimation & Patterns, Green Energy, Circuits, Science, Coding, and more. A perfect addition to support learning, both inside and outside the school. STEAM to GO! Kits, focusing on not just science but also these additional key areas of learning.
Basic Skills: These kits use play to support cognitive development while learning the basics in a fun and engaging way.
Phonics: These phonics kits help build the foundation for reading, support students who need extra help, and provide fun for kids to play and read along with their favorite characters.
Imaginative Play: These kits build on the benefits of creative play, as children learn critical thinking skills, follow simple directions, develop expressive and receptive language, increase social skills, and manage their emotions (Spivey, 2022). – Penworthy
Games & Puzzles Available!
As promised, PCL has continued to expand our Library of Things Collection. We are selecting challenging games and puzzles that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Seed Library
With your library card, you can get up to three free seed packets per checkout. We offer a diverse selection of seeds, including herbs, flowers, and vegetables.
Kit items may vary.
Sensory Kits
Adult sensory kits are now available to circulate. Please visit the Reference desk to pick up a kit for checkout.
Children’s Sensory Kits are available for in-house use only.
Things Available For In-House Use ONLY
HP Laptops
20 HP Laptops are now available for in-library use. The Tech Center assistant will check the laptop out to you and return it upon your check-in. More details are available on our Laptops page.
HP EliteBook x360 830 G10
- Touchscreen, 360-degree screen to turn into a tablet.
- Windows 11
- i5 Processor
- 16GB RAM
- 256BG Hard Drive.
Assistive Technology:
PCL offers a variety of items to assist our patrons, including a large print keyboard, AudioRange wireless headphones, and additional equipment. Please inquire with a technical assistant or reference librarian for further assistance.
Learn more about these items on our Accessibility webpage.
Charging Stations:
Battery back-ups are accessible on the work tables in the library’s Carol & Perry Zirkel wing.
Hublet Tablets:
Visit the kiosk in the Barclay Family Children’s Wing for on-site use. If you forget your device or need an extra one for a family member, the Hubelt Tablet is available to borrow free of charge. Select the age-appropriate profile. Read more.
How To Search For Our Items
To search our Library of Things collection, go to the catalog, type “Library of Things,” and select Parkland Community Library.
This project is made possible by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services or the Department of Education.