Have you ever heard the phrase “I didn’t even know libraries did that!”? As a new librarian discussing services with family and friends, I hear this sentiment a lot. It’s usually followed up with “Libraries have so much more than back in my day,” and I couldn’t agree more. Libraries are regularly adapting and expanding their services to offer more than ever before, including but not limited to: museum passes, science equipment, new and upcoming technology, and more! The Library is quickly becoming a one-stop location for all your health, education, and entertainment needs.
Public libraries operate on an annual budget determined by local municipal taxes. For large cities, this means that they operate on a higher budget due to the higher volume of taxes incurred. For smaller communities with a smaller pool of taxes, state and federal grants help pave the way for new initiatives, programs, and equipment.
The Mulvane Public Library is happy to introduce the new “Library of Things,” a collection of non-traditional library items that you can borrow for at-home use! Thanks to the South Central Kansas Library System (or SCKLS) New Program Grant, the Library has purchased various health, educational, and entertainment items to be lent to the public. We are incredibly excited to offer this new service to our patrons and cannot wait to add to the collection even more!
Currently, the Library of Things offers:
- Passes to local (Wichita-metro) museums and attractions
- Microscope kit
- Portable telescope
- Radon kit
- Binoculars
- Board games
- Blood pressure monitor kits
- Toniebox kits
- Character and Story backpacks with interactive books, recipes, games, or puzzles
- Educational skills backpacks focused on letter and word recognition
- MeReaders and Wonderbooks
Are you curious about your blood pressure and heart health, but don’t want to commit to purchasing a blood pressure cuff? Stop by the Library and check out a blood pressure kit, which includes a cuff, recording sheet, and information regarding heart health. Would you like to see the night sky up close? Check out the portable telescope and track the constellations! Do you have a child who struggles with reading and word recognition? MeReaders and Wonderbooks can help them enjoy reading while a skills pack can boost their reading proficiency. The Library of Things has something for everyone!
As the Mulvane Public Library continues to improve its services and programs, we hope that patrons will enjoy the Library of Things and offer suggestions for additions to the collection. Thank you again to the South Kansas Library System for funding this new program!
by Stephanie Daniel, Assistant Library Director 3/28/2025
