#Maine - Want to try something new in the new year? Check out a ‘library of things’
#Libraries are expanding their offerings beyond books and audiotapes, broadening the potential pursuits of patrons.
by Sophie Burchell, January 2, 2026
CUMBERLAND — "If your New Year’s resolution is to try a new hobby — cooking more diverse recipes, taking up knitting or digging into gardening — but you are not yet ready to make a commitment for all of 2026, there is a shelf at the library for you.
"Stacked with items including a #MortarAndPestle, a #SpinningWheel and a #broadfork, the #LibraryOfThings at Cumberland’s #PrinceMemorialLibrary has objects for all types of pursuits ready for patrons to borrow like they would a book.
" 'The tortilla press is quite popular. A lot of people, they want to have a taco party or something, they want to try it out,' said Kelly Greenlee, community outreach librarian at Prince Memorial Library, which serves #CumberlandME and #NorthYarmouthME.
"Categories of 'things' include arts and craft supplies, science and technology devices, health and wellness equipment and home and garden tools. When acquiring items for this collection, librarians look for items that are typically only used once or twice a year, or things that someone would want to test out before they purchase it for themselves. The collection is intended to save library patrons time and money, as well as broaden their horizons — much like books.
" 'It’s designed to encourage people to have a #SharingEconomy, essentially,' said Greenlee. 'Libraries have always been about sharing resources, and it’s really just an extension of that.' "
Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/30/want-to-try-something-new-in-the-new-year-check-out-a-library-of-things/
Archived version:
https://archive.md/cWBiQ
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #MaineLibraries #LibrariesOfThings #BorrowDontBuy
