Almost anything but books available at Saskatoon’s Library of Things

Saskatoon’s Library of Things offers almost anything, but don’t expect to find any books on the shelves.

The Library of Things is exactly what it sounds like. The library offers visitors a chance to borrow from a wide array of household items that range from binoculars to cookware. Want to pick up sewing as a hobby? Maybe you want to try a juice cleanse, but don’t want to invest in a juicer. If so, the library has you covered.

According to library co-ordinator Meg Dorwart, who brought the idea to life five years ago, libraries of things are growing in popularity around the world.

Dorwart said she tries to collect items that are typically used only once or twice each year, such as camping equipment or power tools. The library is a useful resource for individuals who want to test out certain items before making an investment themselves, Dorwart said.

(Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Since its opening, the library has accumulated a collection of more than 700 items, and Dorwart said about 2,000 items have been borrowed in total.

Fall is a popular season for the library, where Dorwart said dehydrators, juicers and canning supplies are in high demand. Games and puzzles are also popular during the winter months for those wanting to stay indoors and away from the cold, she said.

For those looking to pick up a new hobby such as camping this summer, Dorwart said the Library of Things can provide gear like tents, sleeping mats and stoves.

One of the most interesting items at the library, according to Dorwart, is a photography lighting box, which she said is perfect for entrepreneurs who are looking to sell items like jewelry.

“It’s that little box you can put a camera in and take really lovely photos with,” Dorwart said.

“People wouldn’t think to search our inventory for (it), but (it’s) very valuable.”

(Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

All of the items in the library’s collection have been donated, which Dorwart said contributes to waste reduction. New donations are always accepted, but due to limited space she suggested contacting the library before dropping anything off to ensure there is a need for it, and enough room.

The Library of Things is completely run by volunteers, Dorwart explained, who fix broken items, help manage the inventory, and even act as experts to help identify certain obscure items and their uses.

The library offers off-site listings so patrons can check out items that are still used frequently by the owners or are too big to fit in the library’s space, such as clothing racks or tillers.

There is no set time frame for returning items to the library, Dorwart said, unless it’s a very popular item that’s in high demand. There is also plenty of flexibility for gadgets such as beer- or wine-making kits, which require longer than a week to use.

The store took a hiatus during the pandemic, Dorwart said, and while it lost some of its momentum during that time, she said things are now picking up again.

“It’s very word of mouth so far, but we are hoping to do a big promotional campaign this year to try and get the word out there,” she said.

Dorwart said she’s hoping to expand the space to allow for even more inventory over the next few years. Dorwart said one of the goals is to host events about sustainability and waste reduction, as well as workshops to show people how to use some of the tools in the inventory.

Members can choose to pay a $30 fee when they sign up to use the library, but Dorwart said it’s not mandatory because “not everyone is in the same financial situation.”

The Library of Things is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and is located in the basement of The Better Good department store. Reservations and a full list of the library’s inventory can be found on the Library of Things’ website.