Library of Things

To check out a Library of Things item, you must have a full-privileges OC Public Libraries card in good standing.

To check out Chromebooks, Kitchen Tools, Musical Instruments, Technology Gadgets, Tools, Toys, Outdoor Items, Garden Tools, Arts & Crafts, Educational Items, and Outdoor Games, you must be 18 and older.

All OC Public Libraries’ branches house Backpack Kits, Book Club Kits, Tabletop Games, Chromebooks, and Hotspots.

Currently, the Library of Things collections are available at the Brea, Costa Mesa-Donald Dungan, Cypress, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove Main, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, La Habra, Los Alamitos-Rossmoor, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, and Westminster branch libraries.

Backpack Kits, Book Club Kits, Tabletop Games, Chromebooks, Hotspots, Kitchen Tools, Technology Gadgets, Tools, Toys, Musical Instruments, Outdoor Items, Garden Tools, Arts & Crafts, Educational Items, and Outdoor Games. Search the library catalog to see information about individual items.

In addition to locating items through the Library of Things home page, there are many ways you can find these items by searching the catalog directly. You can search the catalog by :

• Changing the left most drop down menu near the home button from “Everything” to “Library of Things”, “Backpacks”, or “Board Games” and clicking on the search button.
• Entering “library of things” in the subject field.
• Entering “puzzles and games” in the subject field to view tabletop games.
• Entering a keyword in the keyword search to find an individual item. Example: "guitar library of things", “Chromebook” or “BookClub2Go”.
• Using advanced search to limit your search by selecting “Library of Things”, “Backpacks”, or “Board Games” under the limits section.

Select your item from the Library of Things display at the available libraries. The item can then be checked out at the self-checkout stations using your library card or at the service desk. Not all items are on display due to size, so inquire with library staff by bringing the displayed placeholder to the service desk.

Because of the delicate nature of the items and their size, Library of Things items must be returned on or before the due date inside the same branch library you checked out the item. Do not place in the bookdrop.

Before checking out item, borrowers should review item in the presence of library staff to confirm it is complete and undamaged.

If item is lost or damaged, please report the item immediately to your library.

The borrower is solely responsible for the item and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of item and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse.

The checkout period is three weeks.

Each type has different renew or hold policies. See each section on the Library of Things page for more information.

Each type has different limits. See each section on the Library of Things page for more information.