SOUTHWICK-While books and videos are still the most popular items to check out from the Southwick Public Library, a new feature debuted this summer – a Library of Things – that are available for town residents to check out.
Diane Caruso, who recently retired as library director, came up with the idea and passed the torch to Lynn Blair to showcase and market the collection.
The Southwick Public Library now offers a section called “Library of Things” that can be taken out for a week by town residents. (Submitted photo)
“As of right now, there haven’t been too many checkouts since the collection is so new,” said Blair, who assumed the director position in mid-July. “We will begin to market the collection in the fall.”
Blair noted there are “tons of helpful items” including a post hole digger, a stud finder or a caulking gun for town residents who are working on do-it-yourself projects at home.
“We also have fun items like an ice cream maker and a telescope,” said Blair.
Town residents ages 18 and older may check out any item for one week, with a one week renewal allowed.
“Southwick residents will be required to sign a waiver when checking the item out,” said Blair.
Blair added that the more than 30 items currently available need to be checked out by the person who will be using the equipment.
“All items must be returned inside the library at the circulation desk and returned to the Southwick Public Library only,” she added.
Southwick residents now have a variety of “things” to choose from in addition to books and videos at the Southwick Public Library. (Submitted photo)
Blair said the library purchased all of the items by working closely with the town’s Department of Public Works.
Many of the items in the collection include name brands ranging from Bessey, Dewalt, Everbilt, Johnson and Empire, to Husky, Ridgid, Zircon and Tekton.
Tools currently in the collection include an electric stapler and Brad nailer, wire stripper and cutter, sander kit with contractor bag, caulk gun, adjustable T-square, steel carpenter square, heavy duty tarp, and a telescoping basin wrench. Tools also available include a magnesium float, 100-position double ratcheting wrench set SAE, trigger clamp set, 14-in-1 painter’s tool, and electricity monitor kit.
Collection items also offered include safety glasses, an outdoor heavy duty extension cord with power light plug, 1/2” drive click torque wrench, and finishing trowel.
While most of the collection revolves around tools, there are also some interesting additions.
“We have a Boytone 3-speed stereo turntable with record player and AM-FM radio, a digital soil pH meter, Nostalgia six-quart ice cream maker and an Orion Starblast 4.5” Altazimuth reflector tabletop telescope,” said Blair.
Rounding out the collection at press time includes a drop forged c-clamp with 1 3/8” throat depth, a drop forged c-clamp with 4” throat depth, a professional 16” x 24” easy read steel framing square, a Kraft Tool Co. vinyl seam roller, ratchet action plastic pipe and tubing cutter, a QEP compound porcelain and ceramic tile nipper, and a Ridgid #101 tube cutter 1/4” – 1 1/8”.
“At this time we aren’t accepting donations,” said Blair. “I’m all ears for suggestions on what people might like to see.”
