Of course libraries aren’t “just for books,” and haven’t been for a long time now. But the Southern Georgetown Branch has added some items to its collection that most people probably wouldn’t expect to check out from their local library. Branch Manager Sharea Drayton calls it the “Library of Things.”
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to implement,” Drayton said. “I was looking for a way to set Southern Georgetown apart from the other Georgetown County Public Library branches and thought it was time.”
Need to bake a cake for a 50th birthday? You can check out special number-shaped pans at the library. Trying to help your elementary school-aged child with their vocabulary? The library has flash card kits for loan. Want to explore nature with your child? Borrow a backpack filled with a butterfly net and other items to help them make memories and learn about their environment.
“Our special library has items such as silicone and metal bakeware, a projector, telescope, S.C. Park pass and more,” Drayton said. “We also have the giant versions of classic games like Checkers, Sorry!, and Twister.”
Users must have a valid Georgetown County library card and no outstanding fees greater than $5 to borrow from the Library of Things. Borrowers must also have a valid government-issued photo ID and agree to sign a waiver. The length of the checkout period varies depending on the item.
“We’re excited to offer a wide range of cool items in hopes of attracting new patrons to the Southern Georgetown Library,” Drayton said. The branch is looking to add more items to the Library of Things and would gladly accept donations of new or gently used things such as a record player, portable PA speaker, metal detector, bubble machine, button maker, tiller or more.