Buchanan District Library Now Offers a Library of Things

The Library of Things includes items such as board games, instruments, outdoor recreation equipment, 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.
• 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 (otherwise known as Things)!

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.
• You are strongly encouraged to reserve Things 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 Thing ahead of time you may be asked to wait until a staff person is available to retrieve it from LoT storage.
• A staff person will go over the contents of the Thing with you.
• Enjoy your LoT item!

Returning a LoT Item

• Things must be returned at the circulation desk, directly to a staff member. If Things 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 Thing for basic cleanliness and that all parts/pieces are accounted for.  If the Thing is not in a condition that is ready for the next patron, you will be given the opportunity to rectify the situation, or risk losing LoT privilages per the Library of Things Lending Guidelines and Agreement.

How to Reserve LoT Items

You can make reservations for a Thing 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 a Thing. To reserve a Thing 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 Thing 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 Thing for today, it's best to call ahead to make sure we have it ready before you come to pick it up.

Questions? Visit us during library hours or call 269.695.3681.

Library of Things Suggestion Box

Please let us know what items YOU would most like us to have in the Library of Things!