Library of Things

Explore our ever-growing Library of Things collection!

Please Note: All of these items must be picked up and returned to the owning library. Unless otherwise indicated, items circulate for two (2) weeks and are not renewable. To place a hold, please click on the highlighted collection to take you to the library's catalog. From there you can select the individual item and log in with your library card to place your hold. Please call the library if you need assistance.

Image containing board game box images

Board Games

Take advantage of our board game collection when planning your family or friend game night!

WiFi Hotspots

Circulating WiFi Hotspots are available at all library locations, and can be checked out by patrons who are over 13. Note: these items circulate for 2 weeks, and can be renewed once.

Chromebooks

Borrow a Chromebook from any library location, and can be checked out by patrons who are over 13. Note: these items circulate for 2 weeks, and can be renewed once.

Chromebook + Hotspot Kits

Borrow a Chromebook + Wifi Hotspot kits from any library location, and can be checked out by patrons who are over 13. Note: these items circulate for 2 weeks, and can be renewed once.

Rokus

Borrow a Roku (Netflix or Disney+) from any library location, and can be checked out by patrons who are over 13. Note: these items circulate for 2 weeks, and can be renewed once.

Nintendo Switch Lites

Borrow a Nintendo Switch Lite from any library location, and can be checked out by patrons who are over 13. Note: these items circulate for 2 weeks, and can be renewed once. Please note that the Switches do not come with games, but Switch games can be checked out separately from the Central Library Teen Room.

Birding Kit

It's always the right time to go birding! Our birding kit contains:

  • Two sets of binoculars
  • Two books: Sibley's Birding Basics by David Allen Sibley and Eastern Birds by Roger Tory Peterson
  • Handouts and a list of web resources for local birdwatching
  • Observation notebook for sharing what you spot

Kill-a-Watt Electricity Monitor

This device assesses how efficiently appliances work by displaying the power consumption by the kilowatt-hour.

Musical Instruments

Our collection includes guitars and a ukulele.

Telescope Photo of an Orion telescope

Bring our Orion StarBlast 4.5" telescope on your next dark sky adventure! Available for Somerville residents only.

Toys

Our Children's Rooms offer a variety of toys you can play with at home!

ELL Kits

ELL Kits can be found in the ELL collection at Central Library.  They are a great way to learn and practice English by doing fun activities.  Each kit is a mixture of books, recipes, and realia such as board games, cake pans, and gardening tools.

The following kits are available for check out:

Cooking 

Learn about American cooking while using common kitchen tools, try new recipes, and improve your English vocabulary.

 

 

 

Baking

Learn about American baking while using common kitchen tools, try new recipes, and improve your English vocabulary.

 

 

 

Word Games

Practice your English while playing language-based board games.

 

 

 

 

Urban Gardening

Learn about gardening in the city and in small spaces while also improving your English vocabulary.

 

 

 

 

Family Literacy

Practice your English skills while reading aloud to children.

 

 

 

 

Boston & New England

Learn about things to do and explore in Boston and New England including the Make Way For Ducklings Statues in the Boston Public Garden.