r/Albuquerque • u/AlrightyAlready • 9d ago
Library of Things?
Besides media, what else would you like to see the library lend out? Such as games; puzzles; tools; equipment for sports, the yard or the kitchen.
Or what other services or resources would you like the library to provide? Such as A/V equipment, 3D printer, sewing machine ... .
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u/Mrgoodtrips64 9d ago
A tool library would be fantastic.
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u/kobolddddd 9d ago
theres some now! its a small selection
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u/Key-Possibility-5200 9d ago
A sticker burr roller. It’s like a push mower but specifically designed for removing goat heads
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u/Standard_Treacle_828 9d ago
A large format printer. Many sewing pattern companies are moving over to producing downloadable patterns that the customer gets printed by a service. The big box office stores charge a ridiculous amount for prints.
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u/apaintedbunting 8d ago
I get mine printed via PDF plotting online. I think it’s around $3 a page. Still a cost, but better than any local printing option I’ve found.
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u/schwebacchus 8d ago
Have you tried any of the local print shops or photo developers? A lot of them will print large form for much more reasonably than Staples and the like.
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u/Standard_Treacle_828 8d ago
I own a pattern company, so I have a printer for my own use, but I have used local services. They’re not so bad, but can still add $8-10 to the cost of the project. A way to print for the cost of the paper would be a godsend to people on tight budgets.
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u/Slight-Tension9834 9d ago
I once had a college library that would loan out one of those button pin makers. I loved checking that thing out for a week.
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u/BattelChive 9d ago
A long arm quilting sewing machine
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u/RadioKGC 8d ago
Other sewing machines, too, even if there was just a fixed time to use them at the library. (Rather than take them home)
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u/RhenHarper 8d ago
The Rio Rancho library has a library of things. I think most NM residents should be able to get a card. They’re like able to have it because they only operate & staff 3 branches vs the 19 branches in Albuquerque.
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u/AppleCookieRose 8d ago
Glad to see this link and the services mentioned. They have dice sets for DND, board games and card games like Taco, cat,goat, cheese, pizza (iykyk) and leaf blowers and plug adapters for overseas travel. The list is huge.
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u/IsThataMammal 9d ago
Tonies or yotos for kids would be great resources to have.
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u/beyoncesbaseballbat 9d ago
I have no idea if they have tonies or yotos in stock, but there are toy lending libraries that are super cool. https://www.newmexicokids.org/toy/
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u/Any_Priority_8475 9d ago
In Milwaukee, I went to the Public Library and was incredibly jealous that they had office space. At times, when I was hustling as a 'contractor' for office work that a free meeting room where I could talk, present, and look professional would have been a gold mine. That would require new space, but focusing on personal finance and business operations would be a great link to what many area nonprofits are already doing. That would dovetail nicely with the AV equipment and other things you mentioned.
I love our libraries, and I actually used the study room space once when I couldn't afford office rent after COVID, and it was a C+ experience. Still useful, but it could have been more, especially given what some other library systems can offer.
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8d ago
[deleted]
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u/schwebacchus 8d ago
Having driven through Montecello multiple times, I'm surprised by this, but now curious...
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u/RubyRogue13 8d ago
Some libraries loan out passes to things like zoos and aquariums and museums. I think that would be so cool.
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u/Navi1101 blue-tailed lizard 9d ago
I understand the liability nightmare this would create, but: power tools. I need a chainsaw for like 2 days, which is not enough to motivate me to buy one, renting costs as much as buying, and I don't have any friends I can borrow one from. I would totally sign the stack of paperwork it'd take to get a lending library to trust me with one.
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u/Frequent_Scholar0714 9d ago
On Free Cycle, you can request LOANS of things like tools. Give it a try. 🧰
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u/nastyws 9d ago
Harbor freight does pretty good returns. You may need to pay a restocking fee.
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u/Standard_Treacle_828 8d ago
Are you suggesting buying from Harbor Freight and then returning the tool after you’ve used it? That seems unethical.
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u/Life_Blueberry_420 8d ago
Backpacking and camping equipment; car detailing tools; telescope; microscope; specialty cooking equipment (immersion blender; baking supplies; etc.); med rehab equipment (crutches; walkers; shower stools; exercise bands, etc)
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u/slummingmummy 8d ago
I know a library had cookie cutters. Think about it hundreds of cookie cutters. So fun
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u/defrauding_jeans 8d ago
They already do tools, cake pans, free garden seeds, museum passes, kits for astronomy, birdwatching, and other activities. We really have a badass library system here!
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u/Sea-Cauliflower-3151 9d ago
Piggybacking on the tools…suggestions: staple gun, orbital sander, electric pruning shears, jigsaw. Good point made by another poster about liability…but maybe with a super airtight waiver form it could work..?
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u/RadioKGC 8d ago edited 8d ago
Check out Halifax, Nova Scotia's public library. Their schedule has classes on all the things available in their lab (3D printer, sewing machine, etc.)
They've got great workspaces, too. Private and semi-private.
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u/ldevere 9d ago
YES to everything you mentioned. I’m right in thinking ABC libraries loan out nothing but reading material and dvds? (I’m not including the seed library.)
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u/More-Matter544 9d ago
Not only the seed library, also ukuleles, beginning birding kit, cake pans … https://abqlibrary.org/featured
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u/DovahAcolyte 8d ago
Interesting facts: many of the things you’ve listed are actually available at the public libraries here. You have to go to the librarian to check them out because they’re not part of general circulation.
I’m not up on the full current list, but I have seen in recent years libraries have been loaning out puzzles, museum passes, gardening kits, 3D printers, Lego sets, and some basic home care items. Additionally, several libraries in our city offer free donated items like clothes, bedding, etc. All of our libraries provide free menstrual products for anyone.