This Fort Worth-area library lets you check out tools, carpet cleaners and more
Bedford is launching a new program called Library of Things where residents who have a library card can check out a tool kit for home repair projects or an Instant Pot to expand their cooking options.
Library director Maria Redburn said that when residents completed surveys on what they wanted to see at the library, there was high interest in having tools for crafting and cooking as well as things for various hobbies.
“This is a free way of sharing with Bedford,” she said.
The Bedford library already offered learning tablets and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) kits to check out, and this program was a natural extension, Redburn said.
Redburn said the Library of Things is becoming a national trend among cities.
She pointed out that people may need something like a game or tool for a short time, or they might want to try something before deciding to purchase it. Some uses include grandparents checking out a stroller when the grandchildren visit or someone who can’t afford to rent a carpet cleaning machine can check one out at the library.
Redburn said funding for the Library of Things came from a $3,000 grant from Atmos Energy awarded to the Bedford Library Foundation. She said that former mayor Jim Griffin approached Atmos about the funding for the Library of Things project.
Redburn said one of the biggest challenges is finding containers to put the equipment in that are reuseable as most items come in cardboard packaging that won’t hold up. She said another challenge was scanning in the owners manuals in case the hard copies are lost.
Redburn said she and her staff visited Pottsboro, near Lake Texoma, because that city has a comprehensive Library to see the items. That library has a bicycle with a large basket for families who don’t have vehicles so that they can get to a grocery store to buy fresh produce instead of shopping at convenience stores.
This story was originally published February 3, 2020 at 5:30 AM.