The Summit County Library provides residents with access to a wide variety of specialized equipment through its 'Library of Things' program, which includes technology, scientific instruments, and recreational kits. The collection features items ranging from mobile internet hotspots to induction cooktops and blood pressure monitors.
Streaming and Connectivity Tools
The library's technological offerings focus on both entertainment and connectivity. Residents can check out streaming devices, such as the Roku Streaming Stick, to access services including Netflix, Max, Paramount+/Showletime, and Kanopy directly on their televisions. To assist with setup, the library provides a specific tutorial for the Roku device.
For those requiring internet access while away from home, the library maintains mobile hotspots available for checkout. These portable wireless devices provide connectivity for multiple devices via cellular networks, making them suitable for on-the-go use. Additionally, the library offers disc players, including DVD players, Blu-ray players, and external Blu-ray/DVD/CD drives, to allow patrons to view physical media checked out from the library's collection.
Scientific and Visual Equipment
The collection includes advanced visual and scientific equipment for home use. A Full HD 1080P projector is available for movies, gaming, or outdoor events; the unit features Bluetooth 5.1, Hi-Fi stereo speakers, and compatibility with various devices, though the library notes that a screen is not included with the rental.
For astronomical observation, the library offers a beginner-friendly telescope equipped with a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length. The device includes eyepieces capable of providing magnification ranging from 16x to 120x for stargazing and celestial study.
Health and Educational Resources
The library has expanded its inventory into health, science, and home efficiency. Through a partnership with the Summit County Health Department, the library offers blood pressure monitor kits for self-measured monitoring. For home energy management, patrons can borrow an Energy Detective Kit to identify where energy is being wasted in their residences, as well as an induction cooktop kit designed to improve safety, air quality, and energy savings.
Educational resources for children are also available through specialized backpacks. The Little Naturalist Backpacks provide hands-on tools for studying birds, plants, flowers, and insects, while Stress Relief Backpacks offer science-based methods for teaching children how to manage stress in healthy ways.
Recreational and Outdoor Gear
Recreational and outdoor items are a significant part of the library's lending catalog. The collection includes various board games, which can be checked out for up to two weeks with a limit of two games at one time. Outdoor enthusiasts can access yard games, pickleball kits containing racets, balls, and a carry bag, and disc golf kits that include a fairway driver, mid-range disc, putt and approach disc, a mini marker disc, and a carry bag.
Other available items for checkout include flags of the United States and various Flags of the World.
Service Updates
While most of the Library of Things remains accessible, certain services are currently undergoing changes. The library noted that 3D printing services are temporarily unavailable through the Kamas Valley Branch while staff undergo training. Specific checkout policies apply to various items, such as the mobile hotspots and the Energy Detective Kit.
