Beyond books: the Library of Things connects students to tools, games and everyday essentials

In addition to more practical tools, the Library of Things includes recreational items: board games, puzzles, lawn games and a mahjong set, which typically sell for $60-$100 according to Kishmen-Smith. "You want to know that you're going to like the game before you go and purchase it, but the whole idea here is that once they learn the game they could join a club to play."

The library was able to purchase a variety of items for the Library of Things. They also received some, like the sewing machine, from a Grand Valley faculty member who heard about the project and donated her never-used COVID lockdown purchase. So far, the sewing machine has been one of their most popular items.

Going forward, Kishman-Smith hopes to keep expanding. This summer, they added a zine-making kit, and she wants to add additional things like book club kits and bird-watching kits that will include things like binoculars and a bird field guide.

"The collection will slowly keep growing," said Kishman-Smith. "And if anything isn't used a lot or gets broken we can replace it with something we think students might want more. We have a lot of ideas."