Here is an area where I am going to be kind of a hypocrite; I love the concept of the library of things more than I love the library of things itself.
Part of that is me not having much interest in a lot of things; I already own plenty of things and I don't want more.
However, if I thought that I might want to own something but was not sure, there is a good chance that there would be something I could try through the library.
https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=library+of+things&searchType=smart
I could try out a soprano ukulele, or a cake pop maker, or a metal detector.
If there was something I would only need once, like a car dent puller kit, or a shaved ice machine, or a VHS to DVD converter, those are all things I could borrow for that one time.
There are ways in which it is less convenient. Books will get sent to the library you request them at, and can then be turned in at any library in the system. For these items, you need to pick them up and return them to the owning library.
Many of them would be awkward to ship; I get that.
In addition, if the single use you want is an event with a firm schedule, availability could be an issue. All copies of the backyard movie kit are currently on hold.
There is an option to put things on hold for later, so that might be something to look into, but it is probably better if your use is flexible.
Where I tend to think it could be most useful is in giving children access to new things, perhaps especially over the summer.
Try playing with these Magna-tile puzzles.
Let's try some different musical instruments.
Maybe you will find something you want to commit to, but there are plenty of options to just try.
The beauty of the library in general is that you have access to things without needing to own them. My primary use for that is books, with occasional DVDs.
It doesn't have to be limited to that.
https://www.wccls.org/using-library/get-card#mauticform_wrapper_verifyregister
If nothing else it's just fun to browse.
