As anyone who has used their library card number to watch documentaries online or dropped a child off for a Father’s Day card–making afternoon knows by now, libraries today offer a lot more than books. Not only is there no more shushing, but modern public libraries provide a wide panoply of services and perks, including one of their coolest features: The Library of Things! A Library of Things is a collection of borrowable items that patrons can check out just like a biography or romance novel. These items range from electronics to kitchen tools — generally, things you might want to use once but don’t need to own permanently, or an item that will help you kick off a new hobby. Every library on the South Fork has a Library of Things. The collections vary from place to place, and there’s always something new and intriguing to discover.
New Hobbies, No Expense
Novelty Bakeware: Ready to be the rock star of your next bake sale? The Instagram queen of your next birthday party? Borrow a Bavarian Bundt cake pan from Montauk Library, alphabet-shaped cookie cutters from Shelter Island Library, or, for extra-bonus Martha Stewart points, one of Hampton Library’s guitar-shaped, football-shaped, and castle-shaped cake pans (to name a few of the novelty options). Montauk Library, 871 Montauk Highway, Montauk; Shelter Island Library, 37 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island; Hampton Library, 2478 Main Street, Bridgehampton.
Ghost Hunting Kit: This one’s really a wow! Wondering what’s going bump in the night? Seeing shadowy specters in long white gowns in the moonlit garden? Grab a ghost-hunting kit that includes an electromagnetic-field reader, infrared thermometer, flashlights, a digital audio recorder, and guides to help you get started. John Jermain Memorial Library, 201 Main Street, Sag Harbor; and Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Cooper’s Farm Road, Southampton.
Fishing Rod, Reel, and Net: Whether you’re heading to the bay to cast for bluefish or out on your friend’s power boat on Gardiner’s Bay for a day of angling, you can borrow a fishing rod set for a cost-free sunny day on the water. Maybe you’ll even be taking home dinner. Shelter Island Library.
Podcasting Kit: Who among us hasn’t come up with a brilliant podcast idea we’re itching to launch? Whether you’re dreaming of hosting a true-crime deep dive into the mystery of Camp Hero, interviewing local showjumping legends about the origins of the Hampton Classic, or just sharing your genius insights about politics with the world, you can take the first step now — no cash investment required. John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor.
Electronics and Gadgets
Cassette Converter: Still holding on to your old cassette tapes? Don’t let that favorite Frank Zappa album or 1990s mixtape from college gather dust. With a cassette converter, you can transfer your nostalgic tracks into MP3 files and keep the memories alive in a modern format. It’s a great way to preserve your music collection and enjoy those old favorites on your phone, computer, or car stereo. John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, and Rogers Memorial Library, Southampton.
Car Code Reader: That mysterious CHECK ENGINE light doesn’t have to be so alarming. Borrow a doohickie called a car code reader and get a clearer idea of what’s happening under the hood before you head to the mechanic. It’s a quick and easy way to find out if it’s something simple you can fix yourself, or if it’s time to call in the pros. John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor; and Rogers Memorial Library, Southampton.
Blood Pressure Monitor: Keeping a blood pressure log just got easier. Borrow a kit instead of buying one, with options for standard, small, or large cuffs. Kits are available at most libraries east of the Shinnecock Canal: Amagansett Free Library, 215 Main Street, Amagansett; East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street, East Hampton; Hampton Library, Bridgehampton; John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, and Rogers Memorial Library, Southampton.
Nintendo Classic Edition Gaming System: Feeling nostalgic? The N.E.S. Classic is preloaded with old-school Nintendo favorites, including Galaga, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Super Mario Brothers, plus more esoteric old-skool games like Castelvania II: Simon’s Quest and Downtown Nekketsu March: Super-Awesome Field Day! It’s perfect for a throwback gaming session on a rainy summer-vacation Sunday. John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor.
Karaoke Machine: Crank your July Fourth barbecue up to 11 with a karaoke machine on loan from the Montauk Library. Whether you’re belting out classic rock anthems or pop favorites, your party will definitely be one to remember. (All we ask is that you resist the urge to sing Hallelujah or Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ for the katrillionth time.) Montauk Library.