Check out items from the Library of Things?

Buchanan District Library Now Offers a Library of Things

Books, audiobooks, video games, and movies are being joined by a wide variety of nontraditional library items for patrons to check out at the Buchanan District Library. “This is a natural extension of what libraries already do, and will allow us to better meet the needs of our patrons,” said Meg Paulette, Library Director. “A Library of Things is a way for our community to share resources and expand the boundaries of what a library usually offers.”

The Library of Things offers several items in the following categories such as board games, instruments, outdoor recreation, puzzles, tools, and more. Go to the LoT Catalog to see what's available.

How to Check Out LoT Items

Become an Approved LoT Patron

• You must be 18 or older and in good standing with the library, with no outstanding fees over $5 on your account.
• New Library of Things Patrons may only check out one LoT item during their first loan period as an LoT patron.
• You must present a photo ID, and the address on your ID must match the address we have on file. 
• Read over the LoT Lending Guidelines and Agreement with a staff member and sign the agreement.
• You are now ready to check out LoT items!

Subsequent LoT Check Outs

• You must be an approved LoT  Patron without any fees over $5 on your account.
• Show your photo ID with address information that matches library records.
• Date and initial your LoT Agreement each time you check out an item. You will be reminded of the replacement cost of the item and that replacement costs are subject to change.
• You are strongly encouraged to reserve items through your account in the online library catalog ahead of time so that they may be ready for you.  If you did not call or reserve your item ahead of time you may be asked to wait until a staff person is available to retrieve the item from LoT storage.
• A staff person will go over the contents of the item with you.
• Enjoy your LoT item!

Returning a LoT Item

• LoT items must be returned at the circulation desk, directly to a staff member. If items are put in the drop box, left outside the door or left at the desk unattended your LoT privileges may be suspended.
• While you wait at the circulation desk, a staff member will check the item for basic cleanliness and that all parts/pieces are accounted for.  If the item is not in a condition that is ready for the next patron, you will be asked to keep the item until you can bring it back in check out ready condition or forfeit your LoT privileges. The item will remain on your account until it is returned in check out condition.

How to Reserve LoT Items

You can make reservations for an LoT item online or over the phone by calling 269-695-3681.  *NOTE* in order to reserve Library of Things items, you need to have signed the LoT agreement and have LoT borrowing privileges. If your account doesn't have LoT borrowing privileges, you will see a "reserve disallowed" message when trying to reserve an LoT item online. To reserve an item online:

• Go to the Library of Things Catalog or the regular BDL Catalog
  
  • Log in with your library card number and  your 10 digit phone number as the password.
  • Search the catalog for the item you want. You may need to click the item to bring up more information.
  • Click the gray "Reserve this item" button.
    • This will prompt a pop-up box. Click in the "Target pickup date" box and choose a date from the calendar. Unavailable dates will be grayed out. If the item is currently available, you may choose today's date.
    • Verify your method of notification.
    • Click the gray "Place Reserve" button.
  • Wait until you are notified that your reserve is ready for you before you make a special trip to the library. If you requested the item for today, it's best to call ahead to make sure we have the item ready before you come to pick it up.

Questions? Visit us during library hours or call 269.695.3681.

Let us know what YOU would like in the Library of Things!