by Jessie Bach

Readers of my column here at Read Alberta know that today’s public libraries, while committed to reading, literacy, and sharing books, now do so much more. Yet another example of this is the relatively recent proliferation of “Libraries of Things” at Alberta’s public libraries. Libraries of Things gained popularity in 2014 in the form of standalone lending collections, like community toy or tool libraries. The trend was quickly picked up by public libraries, and they can now be found in hundreds of libraries right here in Alberta, and across the world. The concept is simple — just like with books, patrons can visit their public library to borrow things like tools, games, electronics, and more. The items on offer are generally those that are only needed occasionally but are impractical, expensive, or unnecessary to own.

Alberta’s Libraries of Things are an amazing resource for saving money, reducing waste, and trying something new. Below are ten of the coolest things that you can borrow from Alberta public libraries!

Power Tools — Banff Public Library

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a specialized tool for a one-time home-improvement job, borrow it instead! At the Banff Public Library, you can check out a circular saw, drill driver, drywall screwdriver, paint mixer, or chainsaw.

Ghost Hunting Kit — Cochrane Public Library

Have you been plagued by bumps in the night? Cold spots in the hallway? Objects inexplicably moving or going missing? You may need to go on a ghost hunt, and the Cochrane Public Library has you covered. Their Ghost Hunting Kit includes a voice recorder, a digital camcorder, and an electromagnetic field (EMF) reader. 

Radon Testing Kit — Edmonton Public Library

Research from the University of Calgary has shown that one in six homes in Western Canada has high levels of radon, a radioactive gas that has been identified as a leading cause of lung cancer. Edmonton Public Library, and many other Alberta public libraries, are part of a partnership program with the Alberta Lung Association to provide access to radon detectors to test the levels in your home. 

Cake Pans — Grande Prairie Public Library

It’s your toddler’s birthday, and they’ve made it clear that only a sparkly pink unicorn cake will do. Before you hit up Amazon on the whim of a three-year-old for an item you’ll almost certainly only use once, check out the collection of cake pans and other kitchen tools at the Grande Prairie Public Library. They have cake pans in the shape of a unicorn, a teddy bear, Garfield, Big Bird, a tractor, a train, and more!

Babysitting Kit — Hanna Municipal Library

Teens can up their babysitting game with a kit from the Hanna Municipal Library. Babysitting kits contain games, toys, and activities for kids in a variety of age ranges that are sure to keep the kiddos entertained until bedtime. 

Art — Lac La Biche County Libraries

Lac La Biche County Libraries members can check out artworks by local artists to enjoy in their homes for 28 days at a time. Not only is borrowed art an excellent way to test out a specific size, colour palette, or style of art in your space, it’s a great way to help local artists gain exposure. 

Musical Instruments — Okotoks Public Library

Is 2025 the year you’ve resolved to finally learn to play an instrument? Before you commit to purchasing a ukulele, you can check one out from the Okotoks Public Library instead. They have several colours to choose from, and a great collection of books to help you learn to play. If the ukulele isn’t your style, they also have steel tongue drums, portable electronic keyboards, and kalimbas available.

Small Kitchen Appliances — Olds Municipal Library 

Meal prep just got easier with the Olds Municipal Library, where they have a collection of small kitchen appliances. Patrons there can borrow an ice cream maker, dumpling maker, stand mixer, bread maker, Instant Pot®, dehydrator, air fryer, and more. Not only is this a great way to “try before you buy” that new kitchen appliance, think of the counter space you’ll save when you return that fondue set to the library after your annual holiday party. 

Streaming Devices — Red Deer Public Library

Take your favourite shows on the road when you borrow a Chromecast or Apple TV device from the Red Deer Public Library. Use the device to login to your own streaming service accounts or take advantage of Kanopy PLUS — an eResource offered by many libraries for free, unlimited streaming of TV and movies.

Snowshoes — Vulcan Library

Alberta’s winter wonderland offers the perfect setting for getting out and enjoying the snow. Winter sports equipment can be costly, so if you’re interested in trying out a new-to-you sport without a big investment, you’re in luck at the Vulcan Library! Patrons here can borrow snowshoes in a range of sizes.

These items are just a small snapshot of what’s available in Libraries of Things across Alberta. Unlike books, movies, and other traditional library materials, “things” may not be available to borrow by interlibrary loan due to their size, cost, and other practical challenges. Holds may or may not be allowed, and some libraries restrict their use to local patrons only while others allow in-person checkouts to anyone with a library card. Check with your local library to see what items may be on offer!

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