Library of Things

Library of Things

What can I check out from IPL?

You may not think to go to the library to borrow a puzzle, hotspot, Giant Jenga, binoculars, disc golf or a guitar-shaped cake pan. But all of these non-traditional items and more are available for you to check out with your library card. They are part of a collection called the Library of Things, and have been made possible in part thanks to a grant from the Buchanan County Community Foundation.

Puzzles

There are 300, 500-550, 750, and 1,000 piece puzzles available for you to check out from the library. There are a variety of scenes, activities, landscapes, and seasons. There are over 150 puzzles to choose from currently, with more to be added soon!

Check out these links to see lists and photos of puzzles available to you:
300 piece puzzles
500-550 piece puzzles
750 piece puzzles
1,000 piece puzzles

The checkout period for puzzles is two weeks and two puzzles may be checked out per family at one time. The puzzles may be renewed twice, as long as the one you have is not on reserve.

Hotspots

The library has five hotspots for checkout, thanks to a grant from The Buchanan County Foundation! 

Buchanan County residents with an Independence Public Library card are able to borrow the internet like you borrow a book. Mobile hotspots provide 24/7 access to the internet with unlimited data on the U.S. Cellular network. 

For more information about borrowing a hotspot, check this out.

Games and Sports Equipment

Have you ever wished you had a bean bag toss, ladderball, or Giant Jenga for that family reunion or party you are hosting? Now you don't have to purchase them, you can check them out from the library! In addition to games, you can also check out tennis or pickleball rackets and balls, a disc golf set, a four-square ball, and/or binoculars with a bird identification book. 

A family may check out up to four items at a time (possibly 2 sets of 2 tennis rackets and 2 sets of tennis balls) for a one week period. There are no renewals for the equipment.

See all your options by going to this page.

Cake Pans

Want to make that birthday or celebration extra special? Check out a tractor, guitar, heart, roller skate, or Superman cake pan. There are over 120 options to choose from, so the library is bound to have something that will fit the bill!

Cake pans may be checked out for one week, but they may also be renewed twice, as long as the one you have isn't on reserve for the next interested party.

Take a look at the cake pans available.