A Note from Library Co-Director, Steve McGladdery: Non-Traditional Library Collections

Have you ever needed a particular tool for a home repair job, but didn’t want to purchase it or pay some outrageous rental fee? Have you ever wanted to use an unusual or novelty cake pan for a special occasion, but didn’t want it cluttering up your kitchen afterward?  Have you ever just wanted to play around with a musical instrument before committing to buying one?  If you answered yes to any of these, then you should know that public libraries across America are coming to your rescue.
Non-traditional library collections are becoming one of the next interesting trends in public library service.  In addition to books, music, movies, and other circulating media, libraries have begun offering unique items to enrich the experience of the everyday library user.  Right now there are public libraries where patrons can check out power tools, gardening equipment, musical instruments, kitchen tools and appliances, toys, and even small plots of a community garden.  There is a library in Iowa with a circulating collection of over 150 novelty cake pans, and another in Indiana where patrons can borrow works of art to hang on their walls for special occasions.
Arguably the most interesting non-traditional collection, or at the very least the most attention-grabbing, would be the unique libraries that offer patrons the opportunity to check out people.  Puzzled? So was I at first.  Here’s how it works.  The library has a circulating “collection” of volunteers from various unique walks of life – a police officer, a politician, a Muslim, a homosexual, a senior citizen, representatives of various minority groups, etc. After checking out their person, the library patron will then have the opportunity to sit down with them for a set period of time, and ask any questions they want, so long as they avoid slurs, inappropriate behavior and strong language.  Now obviously these “human books” aren’t stereotypes, so the experience of that volunteering senior citizen can’t be generalized to all seniors, but the patron is still learning about the life experience of that particular senior and that’s still something.
The best part of non-traditional collections is that you’re only really limited by your own imagination and the laws in your area.  And the only thing better than talking about non-traditional collections is getting involved with them! Is there a unique or unexpected collection you would like to see developed at your Wayne Public Library? If you do, let us know! Comment on our Facebook account!  Send us a letter! Give my office a call! (734-721-7832, ask for Steve) Better yet, stop by in person! Have a browse through our books, music, DVD’s, etc., then stop by and visit with our reference librarians and let them know what you think.