Library of Things
The Library of Things is a new offering from Spokane Public Library connecting customers with non-traditional library items! This is a growing list, so check back often or suggest an addition to the collection.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Want to figure out just how much that extra fridge in the garage costs you? Simply plug an appliance into the Kill-A-Watt meter and it will assess the efficiency for you. The large LCD will display the power consumption by the kilowatt-hour (kWh. By monitoring your kWh usage for a particular appliance and then multiplying it by your electric rate (which you can find at avistautilities.com) you can estimate your electric expense by the day, week, month or year.
Take a closer look at the world around you. This kit includes 25 prepared slides including a Pine Leave, Onion Epidermis, Dog skeletal muscle, a honeybee worker leg-composite and more!
Learn to code with this tiny programmable robot. Suitable for all skill levels – from kids (6 and up) with no formal engineering training to certified Engineers.
MUSIC
Easy to play and portable, the ukulele has been experiencing a recent surge in popularity. People from the likes of Warren Buffet to Eddie Vedder have been exploring the joys of the ukulele. Join the trend and check one out today! While you’re at it, check out some books/DVD/CDs on your new hobby like Ukulele for Dummies | Play Ukulele Today | The Ukulele: A Visual History or download some free ukulele songs from Freegal for inspiration. Here are a couple to get you started: Moonlight by Grace VanderWaal or the Into the Wild soundtrack by Eddie Vedder.
Tap out a catchy beat on your own (temporary) set of bongos!
Playing the guitar can reduce stress and improve your brain power!
“Without the Fender bass, there’d be no rock n’ roll or no Motown.” – Quincy Jones
Complete with two drum sticks so you can practice your drum skills!
HOUSEHOLD
Create cute mini buttons with any photo you may have and give them to friends. Or you can just add them to your own collection!
VIDEO PRODUCTION KITS
Budding cinematographers and directors take note, check out a full video production kit and get started on that award-winning film today.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
- 7” x 14” – For kids up to 100 lbs
- 8” x 21” – For wearer and gear up to 150 lbs
- 8” x 25” – For wearer and gear up to 200 lbs
- 8” x 27” – For wearer and gear up to 220 lbs
- 9” x 30” – For wearer and gear up to 250 lbs
Checkout Washington Backpack + Discover Pass
Explore the great outdoors with a backpack full of the essentials for a day-hike in nature. A pair of binoculars, field guides maps and a Washington State Discover pass. Just bring your own snacks and water and enjoy access to our beautiful state lands.
The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is a high sensitivity GPS receiver for peak performance in any environment. It includes a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, built-in base map with automatic routing capability.
If a GPS is too high tech, go old-school and check out a handheld compass.
Get a closer look at the sky above with one mounted 23-inch long telescope set!
Personal Navigator (Garmin eTrex Vista HCx)
National Geographic Metal Detector
FUN & GAMES
MUSEUM PASSES
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Cardholders can check out a digital family pass for one day’s admission to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC). The MAC passes will admit two adults and up to four children. Two digital passes are available daily and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Passes may be reserved here with a library card number and PIN.
Mobius Science Center & Children’s Museum
Cardholders can check out a digital family pass for one day’s admission to Mobius. The Mobius pass admits two adults and up to four children. One digital passes are available daily and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Passes may be reserved here with a library card number and PIN.
GARDENING
There are Seed Libraries at Hillyard, Shadle and Indian Trail that feature hundreds of seeds available for “check out.”
Plant your seeds from the seed library using garden tools from the library including a hula-ho weeder, collinear hoe, midwest rake, weeding rakes, pruning shears, and more.
IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY
Suggest an item for the Library of Things. (Log in with your library card + PIN, then select Other)