Summer is a great time to discover the many things your library has to offer! We thought we'd take the opportunity to highlight some of the more unique items North Shore libraries have available to check out ... other than books!
Some unique items you can find for loan include:
Amesbury Public Library- Storytime Take Out Kits
This program is intended as a “take-out” version of our storytimes for ages 2 to 6 years old. Each week we will provide you with a storytime packet. In it will be books, an activity, and a science experiment or craft to explore! You get to keep all the items and only need to return the books (they are out for three weeks and automatically renew) You can then pick it up any time during the week starting on Monday at 9:30am – through Saturday 5pm. (We will save kits for one week after in case you can’t make it) Registration is required.
Beverly Public Library- Bookmobile
The Bookmobile operates on a three-week rotating schedule, making stops at schools, nursing homes, day care centers, elderly housing residences, playgrounds, and residential neighborhoods.
The Beverly Bookmobile has served the Beverly Community for more than 60 years and has something for everyone. Its collection includes large print books, adult fiction and nonfiction books, fiction and nonfiction books for children and teenagers, movies, audiobooks, and magazines. All you need to borrow from the Bookmobile is your library card. Materials borrowed from the Bookmobile may be returned to the regular libraries, and materials borrowed from the regular libraries may be returned to the Bookmobile.
Danvers Public Library- Notary Services
Notaries witness document signing or signing a sworn statement on a document. They verify, by their signature and seal, that you are who you say you are.The Peabody Institute Library in Danvers offers Notary Services free of charge; however photocopies of records cost $0.15 per page. Please call the library to make an appointment with the Notary for the specific time you plan to use the service. TEL: (978)774-0554
Essex Public Library- FREE Music Streaming
Freegal® Music is a free music service. Freegal offers 5 downloads per week to keep and now offers ! Listen to your favorite songs, albums, playlists or create your own playlists. Free apps are available at the App Store and Google Play.”
Gloucester Public Library- Digital Devices
You are able to take out this portable laptop that runs on Google's Chrome Operating System. In addition, put the Internet in your pocket and create a wireless access point wherever you are with a portable WiFi Hotspot for loan. Be sure to look at the other digital devices that are available.
Hamilton Wenham Public Library- A Library of Unique items to Borrow
Check out our Library of Things. Literally: check them out! Our library has a growing collection of non-traditional or unconventional items (called “realia” in library jargon) that you can borrow as you would a book, CD, or DVD. These items range from board games to cookie cutters to an actual butter churn. Here are some of the interesting items you can check out from our library
Ipswich Public Library- Learn a Language with Rosetta Stone
Check out our interactive language learning program Rosetta Stone® which offers 30 languages.
Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library- Virtual Library and Digital Resources
The Online Library is a collection of links to virtual library services available from home, 24/7. Many of these will require a separate log-in using your Manchester Public Library Account Information (your library card number and PIN). Your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. Some of these services are only available to Manchester residents, other services are only available to members of MVLC, the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. If you need help using these services, please contact the library at 978-526-7711, or send an email.
Newbury Public Library- Library of Things
Our Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items available to patrons to check out. This growing collection supports lifelong learning and creativity by providing the physical tools necessary to explore new areas of interest and learn new skills. (bird watching kits, cake pans, games, coding robot and more) The Newbury Town Library has always been a place where you can come to learn anything you are curious about – now we are offering you the tools to satisfy and encourage that curiosity. For more information on the items below, please visit the Library of Things in the online catalog at: http://ow.ly/owFs30ooUwT
Newburyport Public Library- Library of Things
The Newburyport Public Library continues to grow their collection of unique items patrons are able to check out. Some items include, a Bluetooth Speaker,Light Therapy Lamp, Backlit Large Type Keyboard, and a Document Scanner to name a few.
Peabody Public Library- Library of Things
The Peabody Library is delighted to provide a lending library of non-book items that we think you will find useful and fun! The collection contains items you might not otherwise want to spend money on, such as technology gadgets, tools, entertainment like board games, and outdoor equipment.
Rowley Public Library- Museum Passes
While many libraries carry museum passes, Rowley library has quite a collection.You can now reserve your passes at home with your library card- and most can be printed from home or shown on a device- no need to pick up at the library! Museum passes can be reserved up to 2 months in advance.
Rockport Public Library- Library of Things
The library offers much more than traditional books, DVDs, and music. Some examples include Blue-ray DVD Player, Bicycle Tool Kit, Home Theater Projector, Color Blind Glasses etc.)Check out our Library of Things collections – and let us know if you have a non-traditional interest we can explore. New items are still being added!
Salem Public Library- Library of Things
Salem Public library has a large list of unique items for borrowing. Some include, a color scanner, portable charger, various board games, metal detectors, Roku Express etc.
Topsfield Public Library- Puzzle Exchange
Based on the popularity of our bi-monthly puzzle exchanges, the Topsfield Town Library is proud to announce that our Puzzle Exchange program is now permanent! It is housed on the second floor, by the biography section and reference desk.
The Puzzle Exchange works like this: you can drop off any old puzzles you may have (as long as the puzzle is in good condition, still has all the pieces, and you have a box with a picture of the finished puzzle), and pick up another puzzle to bring home. You don’t even need to check them out at our Circulation Desk! Our collection of jigsaw puzzles was built by donations from library patrons and staff. Please note that these items are not moderated by library staff, and the library will not be ensuring the quality or quantity of puzzles, or puzzle pieces, for puzzles in the exchange. Please bring puzzles that others will be able to enjoy and complete. Feel free to return the puzzle when you’re done, or keep it forever!
The library, of course, also has plenty more to discover, from books to DVDs to regular events like book groups and story times. You can always find all North Shore library events on our Macaroni KID North Shore MA calendar!
Stop by your local library during National Library Week and explore! What interesting thing can you find to take home?
