Library of Things
What is it?
Everyone knows that you can come to the library and borrow books. But, libraries are so much more than books! We have something for everyone and would like to share our collection of non-traditional library materials in hopes that you find something else that will benefit you.
All materials can be checked out for free. All of these materials must be checked out from and returned to Friday Memorial Library.
Educational
Discovery Kits
Discovery Kits contain a variety of fun and educational materials for kids of all ages. From microscopes and telescopes to games, math manipulatives, 3D pens, a lightboard, and more. These kits provide supplemental learning activities in math, science, coding and more. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Early Literacy Kits
Theme-based books and activities that help build early literacy skills in pre-school aged children. These kits are a great way to enjoy storytime at home. Early Literacy Kits were made possible through a grant from the AnnMarie Foundation. Checkout period: 3 weeks
Launchpads
Launchpads are designed for children and are preloaded with high quality, ad-free apps that are both fun and educational. Apps are grouped onto the tablets by subject area, theme, grade level, and age, making it easy for parents and kids to choose a tablet with the content most appealing and appropriate to them. The tablets provide hours of interactive learning and play without the risk of exposure to unintended content or the need for a network connection or downloading. Checkout period: 1 week
Park Packs
Park packs are themed backpacks that include everything you need to get out and explore. Select Park Packs include admission to Willow River State Park or St. Croix County Parks. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Trekking Poles
Adjustable Mountainsmith Rhyolite trekking poles. Trekking poles are used when hiking for greater stability and safety, especially over rough ground. These trekking poles have molded EVA handles, spring loaded anti-shock system with lock-out feature, double cam twist lock adjustment, three telescoping sections, and removable hiking baskets with locking pins. They extend from 27″ to 55″. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Games
Brain Games
Launchpads for adults. Filled with puzzles, word games, number challenges, and tests of speed and logic, this collection will train the mind by challenging memory, reaction time, problem-solving and observation skills, attention span and more. No network connection or downloading required. Checkout period: 1 week
Nintendo Switch Console
Nintendo Switch Console with TV mode docking station, Tabletop Stand, 2 red Joy-Con controllers, 2 blue Joy-Con controllers, 1 single player Joy-Con grip, 2 multi-player Joy-Con grips and Mariokart 8 Deluxe Game. Checkout period: 1 week
Nintendo Wii Console
Nintendo Wii Console with 2 Wii Remotes, 2 Wii Nunchucks, Wii Sensor Bar and Mariokart Game (Rated E for Everyone) Checkout period: 1 week
Xbox 360 Console with Kinect
Xbox 360 Gaming Console with Kinect Sensor, 2 controllers and Kinect Adventures Game. Checkout period: 1 week
Yard Games
A variety of outdoor games to check out and play at home, the cabin or wherever you like. Available yard games include: Bean Bags, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Disc Golf, Giant Connect Four, Juegoal, Kan Jam, Kubb, Ladder Golf, Pickleball, Pop and Catch, Portable Badminton, Ring Toss, Slammo, Table Tennis and Yard Dice. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Outdoors
Camping Hammock
Sit back and relax by the campfire, enjoy a cozy camping chat, or use this tree hammock as a lightweight alternative to a sleeping tent, gazing up at the stars through the night. Hammocks can accommodate 1-2 adults with a maximum load of 400 lbs. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Geocaching Kit
Find your next adventure with this simple-to-use GPS handheld with extra battery life, wireless connectivity, Geocaching Live, and multi-GNSS support — so you can enjoy exploring more. From our friends at Garmin® comes a GPS that is built for geocaching out on the trail. Stay connected when the cell towers are at a distance with the Garmin eTrex® SE! Preloaded with 100 geocaches around New Richmond. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Metal Detector
This metal detector offers 5 modes: pinpoint mode, all metal, discrimination, memory, and jewelry. Big, clear screen is easy to read. Backlight lets you work in the dark. The large search coil can locate items up to 10 inches underground. The coil is waterproof and works well in shallow water. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Borrow a pair of snowshoes and head to the snowy trails. We have multiple sizes of shoes to begin exploring the winter outdoors and try snowshoeing for the enjoyment of the whole family. These sturdy and lightweight shoes offer a safe and pleasant hiking experience. Snowshoes come in a carrying bag for ease of transporting. Trekking poles may add to your experience, but are checked out separately.
Snowshoe size is a key factor in getting the right amount of floatation. Generally, the heavier the person or the lighter and drier the snow, the more snowshoe surface area is required. You can choose the most suitable one according to the size & weight guide below:
16 inches: 25-100 pounds
19 inches: up to 125 pounds
25 inches: up to 180 pounds
30 inches: up to 250 pounds
We ask that the snowshoes be returned as dry and as clean as possible to avoid the molding and rusting of the items and the carrying bag. Checkout period: 1 week
Trekking Poles
Adjustable Mountainsmith Rhyolite trekking poles. Trekking poles are used when hiking for greater stability and safety, especially over rough ground. These trekking poles have molded EVA handles, spring loaded anti-shock system with lock-out feature, double cam twist lock adjustment, three telescoping sections, and removable hiking baskets with locking pins. They extend from 27″ to 55″. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Yard Games
A variety of outdoor games to check out and play at home, the cabin or wherever you like. Available yard games include: Bean Bags, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Disc Golf, Giant Connect Four, Juegoal, Kan Jam, Kubb, Ladder Golf, Pickleball, Pop and Catch, Portable Badminton, Ring Toss, Slammo, Table Tennis and Yard Dice. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Audio/Visual Equipment
Anti-glare LED 3x Page Magnifier
Professional quality magnifying lens, equipped with 12 powerful, energy efficient LED lights. Specially sized for magnifying the text of regular print books. Checkout period: 3 weeks.
DLP Projector
ViewSonic PA503W performance projector features 3600 Lumens. Must connect to laptop, TV or gaming device for projection. Medium size projector. Perfect for presentations. Checkout period: 2 days
LCD Projector with DVD Player
2 available Epson LCD Projectors with DVD Player. Built in speakers. Large size projector. Perfect for movie night. Checkout period: 2 days
WiFi Projector
This compact HD Projector has Wifi compatibility to screencast from Android or Apple devices as well as TV sticks (Roku, Amazon Fire, etc.). It projects with 6000 lumens so is great for outdoor movie events or connectivity to a laptop indoors. Built in speakers. Small size project. Checkout period: 2 days
Slide Projector
Kodak Ektagraphic III E Plus Projector With Kodak Ektagraphic Universal slide tray, model 2 (carousel). Checkout period: 1 week
Projection Screens
80″ portable tripod projection screen or 50″ portable pop up projection screen. Perfect for presentations, movie nights or parties. Checkout period: 2 days
Outdoor Projection Screen
100-inch movie projector screen with stand, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 160 degrees wide viewing angle. Vamvo outdoor movie projector screen comes with a foldable stand, which can be easily assembled and disassembled without any tools. Perfect for outdoor movie nights. Checkout period: 2 days
Home/Entertainment
Binge Boxes
Binge Watching Made Easy! Binge Boxes are perfect for people that love movies. Each Binge Box contains a collection of 3-8 DVDs for hours of entertainment. Boxes include DVDs of a shared theme, either topical or starring a popular actor. A few examples of our sets are Don’t travel with Tom Hanks, May I have this song and dance, Rough Waters, and O’Doyles rule: Adam Sandler. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Memory Makers
Memory Makers are kits filled with items specifically selected to spark memories, create conversation and provide positive interactions for families and care partners. Each Memory Maker has a unique collection of books, music, photographs and activities to help individuals build relationships and have fun reminiscing with others. Memory Makers can provide stimulation for adults with mild cognitive impairment. Checkout period: 2 weeks
Roku
Stream free TV, live news, sports, movies, music, and more. Check out your favorite streaming service on a Roku device. Roku devices come already logged into the library’s account for the selected subscription so you can watch for free! Available subscriptions: AppleTV, Hulu/Disney+, Max, Netflix, Paramount+/Showtime, Peacock, Vudu. Available with hotspot: Hulu/Disney+, Max.
Checkout period: 2 weeks
WiFi Hotspots
These devices which allow you to connect to the internet at high speeds and acts as your personal mobile broadband connection. You can securely connect WiFi-enabled devices, such as tablets, laptops or additional smartphones, anywhere you have cellular service. Checkout period: 2 weeks.
Xcel Energy Draft Check Meter
Uses an infrared sensor to find leaks along walls, molding, ductwork, and more. The meter provides quick, intuitive feedback, showing you where to caulk and insulate. Checkout period: 2 weeks.
Xcel Energy Power Check Meter
Monitor and project energy costs and find out what appliances cost to operate. Displays cost of electricity in dollars and cents, and tracks true power over time. Checkout period: 2 weeks.