More than books: 100 things you can now borrow at the Quincy Public Library

QUINCY − Flora and Ryan Han own a condo in Quincy and have a recurring problem with a clogged drain. They also have little storage space, so their supply of tools is limited.

On Wednesday, when the couple brought their 5-year-old daughter, Miriella, to the Thomas Crane Public Library for her art class, they also decided to see if they could also get some help with their plumbing problem.

Yes, you read that right. Plumbing help at the library, and not from a book. Library of Things to the rescue.

Flora looked into a large glass case with lots of shiny objects, big and small. A library staffer helped her read the labels, then opened the case and Flora selected the heavy-duty drain cleaner which she then checked out of the library to take home.

"This is like the one I want to buy for my husband," Flora said.

The large drain cleaner will likely be popular. It looks intimidating but comes with an instruction booklet. Now that the Thomas Crane Public Library has its own Library of Things, she can have it at home for two weeks − plenty of time to unclog the drain and then return to the library.

That was just what library director Sara Slymon and her staff were hoping would happen at the formal opening of the new Library of Things on Wednesday.

What is a Library of Things?

A Library of Things is a collection of objects beyond books − from games to electronics to specialty cookware − that can essentially be rented for free from a library.

The term "Library of Things" was popularized by a grassroots experiment started in London in 2014. It was inspired by the Toronto Tool Library, according to Wikipedia. They tout it as "more affordable, convenient, socially rewarding and kinder to the planet."

Quincy's Library of Things is now open

Quincy library officials were pleased with the turnout of curious people at the unveiling of the Library of Things on Wednesday. People looked, asked questions and in some cases borrowed an item on the spot.

Members of the Old Colony Library Network in good standing can use their library card to check out items. A borrowing agreement must be signed at checkout. Items must be cleaned and placed back in their containers before they're returned.

The Quincy Library of Things has 100 items, including everyday household items and nontraditional things that make people's lives easier or more enjoyable. The items are divided into six main groups: cooking, health and recreation, electronics, hobbies, music and tools.

Power drills and other tools

People can find power drills and a power washer. Tape measures. A socket wrench kit. Pliers. An upholstery cleaner. A thermal leak detector.

The staff have been trying out some of the items in advance. Shaun Ramsay, a senior library assistant, took home the metal engraver, which he used to engrave his name on some special spoons. He also shared it with his ice cream club to mark personal eating utensils. He said the fast-spinning metal drill was easy to use.

Nordic Ware, a bread-maker and other kitchen gadgets

Why buy an expensive Bundt pan, a stand mixer or a bread-maker when you can borrow one, use it and return it until the next time you need it?

Lynne Rose and Art Yacobian, of Quincy, were drawn to the intricate Nordic Ware collection of baking pans for holiday cakes. They include pans in the form of a castle, a holiday wreath and corn.

"This is good for you to know," Yacobian said, looking at the dozens of bakeware items on a stand. "You can use it and bring it back."

The Library of Things also has a KitchenAid stand mixer and an induction cooktop.

How about checking out a telescope in time for the April eclipse?

If you want a telescope for the April 8 total solar eclipse, you better plan ahead. The library has a large one but decided to keep it for its special programs. A smaller, more portable telescope will be loaned out, said Deidre Sullivan, collections service coordinator. It can be checked out for a month to allow people to follow the full moon cycle.

Try out a ukulele before signing up for a class

The musical items are expected to appeal to all ages. The library has two ukuleles. Some community centers offer lessons.

There are also a xylophone, a steel drum, a karaoke machine and an old-fashioned Victrola.

Sewing machines that come with a pedal can be checked out

You'll find sewing machines on shelves behind the circulation checkout desk. The two Brother sewing machines are user friendly and come with a pedal. A lot of people have been asking for them.

The library’s items can be viewed on the library's website. Catalog computer stations on the circulation floor of the main library will also be available for patrons to browse the inventory.

Several members of the library board of trustees were at Wednesday's unveiling, including Chair Corinne Mitchell and Treasurer Arthur Foley.

"We are in an exciting time at the library, exploring different things," Mitchell, a retired teacher, said. "It will be interesting to see what is most popular."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy launches Library of Things with 100 ways to make life easier