by Brunswick, Maine – Residents in Brunswick have access to far more than books at the Curtis Memorial Library, where patrons can now borrow over 1,500 tools, gadgets, and household items — all for free.
A Library Beyond Books
Known as the Library of Things, this initiative allows community members to check out items they might only need once or twice — from pasta makers and KitchenAid mixers to power tools and musical instruments.
The idea stems from the library’s broader commitment to sustainability and resource-sharing, helping people save money while reducing waste.
“You may just need to use it only one time, and you can borrow it from us without having to purchase it,” said Kelly McElligott, librarian and manager at Curtis Memorial Library.
McElligott, who also borrows from the collection, once checked out popover tins for baking and used an industrial fan from the library when her basement flooded.
Helping the Community Get Creative
The “Library of Things” has been gradually expanding over the past few years. It now serves residents of Brunswick and Harpswell for free, while people from neighboring towns can also participate for a small fee.
The library doesn’t just lend gadgets — it also teaches people how to use them. Recent programs include DIY plumbing and home repair workshops, with the related tools available for borrowing afterward.
“We did a DIY plumbing class, and then we bought the equipment you would need that were talked about in the program,” McElligott explained. “So you could go home and say, ‘I can fix that myself.’”
Finding the Right Tool
With such a vast collection, locating a specific item can sometimes be a challenge. Brunswick resident Rebecca Wells visited the library recently to find a laser tool she had checked out before but couldn’t locate.
“I usually cry ‘uncle’ pretty fast,” Wells joked. “I’m still going to ask a librarian for help.”
Within seconds, a librarian located the tool using the digital catalog — a testament to how seamlessly the library’s lending system works.
Sparking Curiosity in Young Minds
It wasn’t just adults taking advantage of the lending program. On Saturday, the most popular item turned out to be a microscope kit.
Sisters Louisa and Jillian Born eagerly borrowed it, their excitement bubbling as they imagined exploring the microscopic world.
“Oh, it’s so cool,” Louisa exclaimed, pressing her eye against the viewfinder.
With a bag of books and a microscope in hand, the two girls left the library animatedly chatting about their next discoveries — perfectly capturing the spirit of curiosity the Curtis Memorial Library hopes to inspire.
What do you think about Brunswick’s “Library of Things”? Would you borrow tools or gadgets from your local library? Join the discussion at ibwhsmag.com.
