The Library of Things

Jacob Shriner enjoys the offerings for his patrons.

By Shari Benyousky
Guest Columnist

Buttonmaker, Boomwhacker, Binoculars, Bubble Machine, Bread Maker.

I paused thumbing through the B Index in the Library of Things as Jacob Shriner came to shake my hand.

“Welcome!” he said with an enormous grin. “Let me show you around.” Jacob became the new adult services librarian at the Warsaw Public Library three days before, ironically on the day I happened to stop by the library and schedule an interview. The Library of Things falls under his section.

What is the Library of Things?

Jacob behind his desk. Photo from the Warsaw Public Library.

When we were kids, we went to the library for books, magazines, and maybe a movie. These days, you can still find these things, but you can also head up to the second floor of the Warsaw Public Library and find shelves full of board games, tools, pickleball gear, Yard Yahtzee, or even a big tent canopy. “Well, it’s big enough for a small wedding party anyway,” Jacob grinned.

You can check out your desired item from the approximately 400 items offered for seven days with an automatic renewal. “Except for the hotspots,” Jacob advised. “Those are just for seven days because we have such a huge demand.”

Cordless Drill, Crochet Hooks, Crystal Crown, Cash Box, CD Player

“The library isn’t just a repository of books and films these days, but a social service for what people need,” Jacob nodded. “We help provide access to technology and printing services. We fill in the gaps which aren’t filled with service and a safe, neutral place.” He unhooked the latch of an aqua record player before turning back to me. “We just make people happy here!”

Metal Detector, Magic Bullet Blender, Pasta Machine, Pom Pom Maker

“What’s the most popular item, other than the hot spots?” I asked.

Jacob paused to consider. “Maybe the metal detector? People love to run it around their backyards and find things.” He told me the Library of Things circulation has skyrocketed since it began around 2013. The Reference Desk has checked out 3,735 things since the beginning of 2024 and the numbers keep trending up.

Soil Analyzer, Stud Finder, Shaved Ice Machine, Telescope, Ukelele

“What would you like to have more of if money wasn’t an object?” I asked.

“Well,” Jacob settled a box back into its spot carefully. “I’d love to see us have more instruments. I didn’t play, but my siblings did, so I know it can be expensive.” The library only has a Ukelele now.

“Can people donate things?” I asked. “Things like instruments.”

“Yes,” he nodded. “We do take donations, but we are very careful about the things and the condition. Someone should contact the reference desk to inquire if they are interested in donating.”

Victrola Record Player, Walker, Watch Repair Set, Wood Burning Tools

Record player.

“Doesn’t this make extra work for the Reference Desk?” I asked.

Jacob nodded. “We check every single piece of board games when they are returned,” he told me. I raised my eyebrows at a game of Risk which has hundreds of little pieces. “Most patrons are very respectful of the things and bring them back just fine,” he said. “But we open every box and check everything loaned out. It’s complicated, but we are here to serve.”

Baby Bottle, Bunny, Butterfly, Christmas Tree, Darth Vader Cake Pans

Some items are right there on the shelves to touch while others have pictures that you bring to the Reference Desk to get. These items are the larger ones like the telescope. “It’s huge!” Jacob said.

Last, Jacob turned to point out a rack filled with green and blue bags. “These are the specialty cake pans.”

He pulled one out. “We have 49 different kinds of cake pans to choose from.” Kids love to go through the rack and see every single pan to choose one for a birthday cake.

Donut pan, Halloween Cookie Cutters, Cookie Press, Tombstone Molds

Jacob had clients waiting, so I ended with one last question. “What’s one thing you would like to say to your patrons?”

Jacob grinned. “Please, please, put all of the game pieces back!”

If you saw something you need, head to your local public library, and check it out.

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