Beyond Books: How New Hampshire Libraries Are Lending More Than You Think

At your local library, you can still check out the latest bestseller — but you might also leave with a karaoke machine, a metal detector, snowshoes, or even an e-bike.

Welcome to the growing world of the Library of Things.

Across New Hampshire, libraries are expanding their collections to include practical tools, outdoor gear, party supplies, hobby kits, and household equipment. These collections allow patrons to try new activities, borrow items they only need occasionally, and save money and storage space — all with a library card.

At the Elkins Public Library, an expanded Library of Things launching in early 2026 will include items like a canning set, party tents, and a record player. Other libraries are already lending everything from birdwatching kits and inflatable pool games to snowshoes and binoculars.

Many programs got their start with telescopes donated through the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, which has placed telescopes in libraries since 2008. From there, collections have grown organically based on community interest and donations.

At the Nashua Public Library, the collection has expanded rapidly and now includes more than 50 items — including one unexpected favorite: an animatronic companion cat often borrowed by families caring for loved ones with dementia. It’s a powerful example of how libraries help patrons “try before they buy.”

Sustainability is another driving force. Sharing tools like pressure washers, stud finders, garden kits, and lawn games reduces waste and encourages community resource-sharing.

Outdoor recreation is also a big focus. At the Lebanon Public Libraries, patrons can borrow e-bikes from the Kilton branch — bikes that have helped residents commute to work and explore the region affordably. Meanwhile, the Keene Public Library offers not only a Library of Things, but also outdoor gear and garden tool libraries, with hundreds of checkouts in the past year alone.

From giant Jenga sets and popcorn machines for parties to egg incubators for aspiring chicken farmers, these collections reflect a simple but powerful idea: libraries are about access — not just to information, but to experiences.

So next time you walk into your local library, look beyond the shelves. You might discover exactly what you didn’t know you needed.