Library staff detail 'Library of Things' offerings: park passes, backpacks, STEAM kits and MakerLab

Library staff told the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees on May 22 about the library's nontraditional circulating collection, known as the Library of Things, and provided usage statistics and locations for patrons.

"A library of things is the shorthand we use to describe lending and providing tangible items that are beyond our typical books, movies, and magazines," said Laura Mendez, principal librarian for partnerships and community outreach. She and senior librarian Jackie Petrie described items available at all three Carlsbad libraries and how patrons can place holds through the online catalog.

Staff said the California State Parks passes were introduced to California libraries in April 2022 through the California State Library and partners. The library currently holds 173 passes across its three locations and has recorded 3,151 checkouts since the program began. "Did you know you can get free parking at the beach with the Parks Pass?" Jackie Petrie told trustees as she reviewed nearby eligible parks, including Carlsbad State Beach and Torrey Pines.

Presenters also described smaller kits and equipment: day packs (five available, 118 checkouts since April 2023) and adventure backpacks (nine available, 20 checkouts since April 2024) that include hiking gear and educational resources. STEAM To Go kits (22 different types) are designed for young children and had 414 checkouts in the past 12 months, staff said. Seed cabinets launched in December 2021 have distributed more than 5,000 seed packets in partnership with local groups including Carlsbad Community Gardens Cooperative, Tanglewood Studios and Saint Patrick Catholic School. The library also runs a puzzle exchange that requires no library card and is stocked by patrons.

Laura Mendez described the Dove Library's Exploration Hub (MakerLab) as a community maker space that cannot be checked out but offers public access to equipment such as 3D printers, Silhouette Cameo cutters, and micro:bit devices; the hub is primarily for ages 13 and up and is supported by the Friends of the Library.

Trustees asked how the library markets these services to people who do not typically visit the library. Mendez said outreach at farmers markets, community events, city social feeds and the city manager's reports are among the methods used to reach new patrons.

Staff asked trustees whether they had questions and thanked the board for the opportunity to present.