Library of Things
At the library we continue to expand what we have to offer beyond books. Most items can be borrowed for three weeks. Currently we have:
Bike Lock
Rode your bike to the Library? Borrow a bike lock to keep it safe and sound while you're here! We have two cable bike locks with keys that may be borrowed from the circulation desk in the Children's and Adult Area.
Binoculars
There are four binoculars at the library. There are two Celestron youth pairs and two Nikon Travelite Binoculars.
Board Games
The library has an ever growing collection of board games. Check out our list of games in the online catalog.
CD Player
Rechargeable Bluetooth CD player kit includes USB charging cord, AUX cable, clip-on controller, protective case, NO earbuds.
CD/DVD +/-RW Drive & Player
A slim external drive that you can use to copy CDs & DVDs, download photos and software, and more. Does not work with Chromebooks. Need DVD player app on your computer/laptop to watch movies.
Ghost Hunting Kit
Generously donated by the Paranormal Investigators of New England, this thirteen-piece kit includes a SB7 Spirit Box, EMF Ghost Meter, 3-Way flashlight, Ghost Paper, Voice Recorder with USB Charger, 6 Mini EMF Pods ($45), Instructions, all in a metal case. May be borrowed for seven days.
Guitars
The Yamaha GigMaker Guitar Package is built around the 300 Series acoustic guitar with die-cast chrome tuners and a spruce top. It also includes essential accessories: a Road Runner gig bag, digital tuner, strap and picks to kick-start your guitar playing. Natural finish. Chord chart. The library has two of these guitars.
The Yamaha JR1 Mini Folk Guitar: Model FG Junior JR1 with a genuine spruce top, meranti back and sides, and reduced size make it a great-sounding, great-playing first guitar for small hands. Nato neck and Javanese rosewood fretboard combo is elegant and smooth playing. 21-1/4" scale. Super Snark Tuner. Chord chart. The library has two of these guitars.
Laptops
See our Computers & Printing page for more information.
Light Therapy Lamp
Portable 10,000 Lux Therapy Light with three timing functions and intensities. Includes USB power cord.
Magnifiers
Page Magnifier: 5X LED full page magnifying glass with collapsible hands-free stand & three stepless lighting modes.
Magnifier Bar: Two 6" magifiers - one with yellow and one with aqua tracker line.
Microphone
Generously donated by Big Heavy World, this Rode mic kit includes 1 NT-USB mini microphone, a USB-C to USB-A cable and a 3/8" -5/8" thread adaptor in box.
Pickleball
There are two pickleball sets for cardholders to borrow. A portable pickleball net is also available.
Projector
The library has an Optoma DV10 MovieTime Home Theatre Projector for lending. The projector can be checked out for three weeks. The projector has a built in DVD player and speakers.
Puzzles
The library has a collection of puzzles for all ages. Check out our puzzles in the online catalog.
Snowshoes
The Essex Free Library has 16 pairs of Tubbs snowshoes. Borrower must be 16 years of age or older. Snowshoes can be borrowed for seven days and can be renewed once. We have a wide variety of sizes both for children and adults.
Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 4.5" telescope. Do NOT look at the sun or eclipse or point the telescope at the sun - you WILL destroy your vision and the telescope! Allow 20 minutes for check out process for training/overview. Please view this video from the Southington Library in CT before using. The guidebooks we offer are slightly different, but the telescope is the same. Must be 16 or older. Signed liability release required. Loan period is one week.