Library of Things
Now available at Crete Public Library
The Library of Things is a collection of items other than books and DVDs that can be borrowed from the library at no charge.
Talk to library staff about these items or see the online library catalog. Catalog listings have item details and show checkout availability to reserve for pickup like other library materials. Links to user manuals are included with some catalog listings and provided below. Please be aware the borrower is solely responsible for items and will be charged for any missing or damaged parts up to the full replacement cost. Many thanks to the Friends of the Crete Public Library for underwriting the Library of Things.
LoT guidelines:
- borrowers must be at least 18 years old and a Crete library card holder for at least 6 months
- borrowers must complete and sign a waiver
- items may be checked out for one week with up to two renewals (if there are no reserves on the item)
- return instructions are specific to each item
- the library has a damage and replacement policy for all items
Search for these Library of Things (LoT) items in the Online Catalog:
- Note: library cardholders must be logged in to the catalog to reserve items
- In the upper left corner, select More Search Options
- From the Keyword box, select Material Type
- From the Default box to the right, select Library of Things from the bottom of the list
- Select the Search button from the bottom of the Search Options box
(Click the photo to view a gallery of items available for checkout.)
- Carpet Cleaner -BISSELL® TurboClean; PowerBrush Pet - Lightweight carpet cleaner and carpet shampooer for area rugs and carpet; four-row Deep Reach PowerBrush Roll; that works with specialized BISSELL formula to remove pet messes like dog and cat vomit, urine and mud; includes 3" Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool, Spraying Crevice Tool
- dimensions: 8.25"D x 17.25"W x 12.5"H, plastic; weight, 9.7 Pounds; user manual available online
- Digital Radon Detector - For home use with holder, this portable radon tester which provides fast reliable continuous monitoring of fluctuating radon gas levels. Results within 24 hours.
- dimensions: 5.91 x 3.31 x 1.38 inches; 3 AAA batteries required; user manual available (pdf)
- Energy Monitor - Plug the power meter into your electric appliances to see how much electricity they are using. The monitor can measure various things like voltage, wattage, and CO2 usage in real-time. With this information, you can decide whether it's time to replace an old, inefficient appliance with a new, energy-efficient one.
- weight: 8.1 ounces; user manual available (pdf)
- Thermal Imaging Camera - The thermal imaging camera is portable and compact with a resolution of 120×90 pixels to accurately find hot or cold spots. The images can help reveal missing insulation, HVAC air flow and equipment issues, radiant heating malfunctions, compromised roofing, and more. Includes 32GB micro SD card and USB charging cable.
- dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 8 inches; user manual available (pdf)
- Sewing Machine - SINGER® M1500 sewing machine is lightweight and portable; includes 57 Stitch applications from zig zags to a blind hem; preset stitch length and width; even beginners will find this machine easy to use; accessories include: presser feet included are the All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, and Four-Step Buttonhole Foot; other accessories: Pack of Needles, Seam Ripper/Lint Brush, Screwdriver, Extra SINGER Class 15 Bobbins (transparent style), Spool Pin Felt and Darning Plate; removable storage compartment
- dimensions: 7"D x 13"W x 11.5"H; weight: 12 pounds; user manual available online; quick start manual online
Kitchen/Food and Beverage
- Coffee Urn - A heavy-duty double layer, stainless steel, commercial coffee maker with a concealed heating element system that keeps the water insulated for a very long time; two-way easy pour faucet that allows a single cup or continuous pouring; easy to fill and set up; serves up to 50 cups of hot beverages; heat resistant handle; low noise brewing; twist lock lid; removable filter basket; ready-to-serve indication light
- dimensions: 9.37"D x 11.81"W x 16.26"H; weight, 6.58 pounds; user manual available (pdf)
- Beverage dispenser - (2 available) - Glass beverage dispenser with stainless steel stand, removable glass lid, and large opening for easy filling and cleanup.
- capacity: 2.5 gallons; weight: 11.48 pounds
- Food Warmer - Proctor Silex Triple Buffet Server - three removable, 2.5 quart stainless steel pans with domed lids; serve food from the three included oven-safe chafing pans and cook right in the pans; spoon slots for easy serving
- dimensions: 15.71 x 25.16 x 5.71 inches; weight, 13 pounds; 120 volts 60 Hz 255 W; user manual available online
- Electric Knife Sharpener - For home & kitchen use; works on stainless steel kitchen knives but not ceramic or serrated; obliquely insert the dull knife and closely touch the outside wall, and then pull it from outside to inside to sharpen - about 30 seconds; can also sharpen scissors. Contains metal dust collection box that must be cleaned before returning to library
- dimensions: 8.6"L x 2.6"W x 7.1"H; weight 1.6 pounds; user manual available online
- Mini Donut Maker - Electric and nonstick; bakes seven small doughnuts in just minutes
- dimensions: 10"D x 8"W x 4.5"H; 3.32 pounds; recipe booklet; user manual available (pfd)
- Roaster Oven - 22 quart Hamilton Beach Roaster Oven - Can roast a turkey up to 28 pounds; versatile roaster oven steams, slow cooks, roasts, and keeps food warm for serving guests; removable cooking pan lifts out for easy cleaning; included lift-out rack
- dimensions: 14.51 H x 23.15 W x 15.63 D; stainless steel; temperature range, 125 to 450 degrees; user manual available online
- Ice Cream Maker - Cuisinart professional-quality soft serve, yogurt, sorbet, sherbet and ice cream maker is fully automatic with double-insulated freezer bowl and produces 1-1/2 quarts of ice-cream in just 20 minutes - no chemicals, salt, or ice required. With 3 condiment containers you can add your favorite mix-ins into your soft serve ice cream as it’s dispensed – The front condiment container with a curved edge dispenses small mix-ins such as sprinkles. Two rectangular condiment containers dispense larger mix-ins such as mini M&M s or mini chocolate morsels.
- dimensions: 9.7"L x 9"W x 18.2"H; weight: 16.7 pounds; capacity: 1.4 quarts; user manual available (pdf)
Activities and Electronics
- 500 piece jigsaw puzzle - Forest Haven Great Horned Owl (5 available)
- finished puzzle, 18 inches x 24 inches
- 300 piece jigsaw puzzle - Frederick the Literate (5 available)
- finished puzzle, 21.25 inches x 15 inches
- Coming Soon: Telescope - Orion starblast II 4.5
- TBD:
- Headphones - Metal Detector Headphones - Califone headphones are great for extended use with their cushioned ear pads, adjustable, cushioned headband, and ABS plastic shell. Versatile headphones easily switch from stereo to mono sound and have built-in volume control
- 3.5 mm Stereo 1/4 inch plug
- Metal Detector - Detects coin-size targets up to 6 inches deep; larger targets up to 2 feet; detects the presence of all metals to include gold, silver, brass, aluminum, iron and steel; rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions; preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground; disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals; headphones separate
- dimensions: 10"L x 6.25"W x 28.25"H; weight, 2.8 pounds; 2 9V batteries required; user manual available online
- Giant Outdoor Yard Pong - Activity party set with 12 buckets, 2 balls, and tough nylon carrying case for backyards or tailgating events. Can be played with 2 teams of 2 players each. instructions available (pdf)
- Giant Ring Toss - Set includes wood target frame and posts for easy setup. Six soft-touch rings included (3 blue and 3 red).
- Pickleball Starter Set - Paddles are made of graphite and is designed for beginner players.
- Spikeball - Spikeball is inspired primarily by volleyball and is played by two teams, usually made up with two players per team. instructions available (pdf)
- Ladder Toss - Partially pre-assembled for easier setup; built-in scorekeeper; real golf balls for Bolos; and thick rope to prevent tangles. instructions available (pdf)
- Cornhole - Designed for all ages and skills levels. Includes: One target, 2 long PVC tubes, 2 short PVC tubes, 1 leg support, 4 each of brown and red bean bags, 1 carrying case. instructions available (pdf)