Your library card does not just give you access to books, downloadable materials, DVDs, and music CDs. In addition to all these great items, we also offer what we call the Library of Things. These various items are available to request and pick up at any of our locations and the collections continue to grow. Let's take a look at what currently makes up the Library of Things.
For most items in the Library of Things, you will need to have a valid library card for checkout. Some items are limited to Alachua County Residents. If you do not have a library card, find out how to apply for one today. Renewals of items may be limited and only allowed if no one else has a hold for the item.
- Birding Kits
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Thanks to generous donations from the Alachua Audubon Society, the Alachua County Library District is proud to offer birding kits as part of our circulating collection.
Checkout period: 14 days
Renewals: Yes
Ideal for beginner and intermediate birdwatchers, each kit is neatly contained within a backpack. Inside, patrons will find three items: a pair of Vortex Raptor binoculars in a carrying case; the book Sibley Birds East: Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America; and a resource guide prepared by the Alachua Audubon Society, including information on bird-friendly wildflowers and a guide on Alachua County's best parks for birding.
- Book Club Kits
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Book club kits are for groups looking to checkout multiple copies of the same title for their book club. We offer popular titles as well as lesser-known works of local and award-winning authors, fiction and non-fiction, adult, and teen titles. The current titles have been recommended by staff or local book clubs as great for discussion.
Checkout period: 8 weeks
Renewals: Yes
Each Kit contains:
- Ten (10) copies of the title
- One (1) large print copy of the title (when available)
- One (1) CD audiobook of the title (when available)
- A resource folder containing: summary information and reviews of the book, author biography, a list of suggested discussion questions and read-alikes, tips for book groups, and evaluation forms.
Book Club Kits are checked out to one person and each account can have one kit checked out at a time. Books from the kit should be returned to the person who checked out the kit, not individually to the library. That person will then be responsible for returning the Book Club Kit with all contents to the library by its due date. Book Club Kits will not fit in book drops and should be returned to staff at the Circulation Desk.
- Exploration Backpacks
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The Alachua County Library District has partnered with the Florida Museum of Natural History to give library patrons the opportunity to enjoy nature with our exploration backpacks.
Checkout period: 14 days
Renewals: Yes
The backpacks are filled with items to foster discovery in nature. They will have binoculars, a plant press, butterfly net, bug enclosure, bug lens, hand lens, a clipboard, a pocket microscope, and instructions in English and Spanish. Backpacks will also include The Nature of Florida: An Introduction to Familiar Plants, Animals & Natural Attractions field guide and an optional survey that can be submitted upon return for a free group pass for admission for up to four people to the Butterfly Rainforest Exhibit.
- Seed Library
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The Seed Library is where we share free seeds and gardening tips with all gardeners, new and experienced. Seed libraries are located at all of our library locations.
Limitations vary by location, so please check with your preferred library to see how many seed packs you may take when you visit. The Seed Library contains a selection of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Our selection changes throughout the year based on donations.
We are most fortunate when our patrons can save locally grown and collected seeds to donate back to us. Contact your local seed library for further information on how to donate.
- Sensory Toys
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Sensory toys engage a child's cognitive and physical attention by stimulating their senses. These senses can include sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Additionally, sensory toys often stimulate the tactile system through various textures or weight. These toys are beneficial to all ages and abilities to spur a child's brain development.
Checkout period: 14 days
Renewals: Yes
Each toy is in a red canvas bag with the title on a tag. Additionally, each contains a laminated sheet with information about the toy. Some toys are appropriate for babies, and others are for children older than 3 years old. To view sensory toys inside your library, ask library staff.
- STEM Kits
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STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) kits encourage scientific discovery. Each kit includes hands-on exploration with an interactive toy, book, and DVD. The interactive toys include activities, learning games, or age appropriate scientific equipment.
Checkout period: 14 days
Renewals: Yes
Our kits are a great resource for children in pre-school through 5th grade. The kits can also be an excellent support to homeschool or virtual learning. This collection is available thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Gainesville.
- Wattmeter
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Check out your energy consumption with a wattmeter. Each 1 Kill-a-watt EZ wattmeter comes in a hard-shell padded case.
Checkout period: 7 days
Renewals: No
Plug your appliances into the wattmeter to learn just how efficient they are. The display will show the cost per Kilowatt-hour and can forecast costs by week, month, and year. The devices are part of our collection in partnership with Gainesville Regional Utility and Clay Electric Co-Op.
- WiFi2go Hotspots
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Alachua County residents can check out mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the Internet on computers, smartphones, and other devices. Up to five devices can connect to the hotspot at one time and there are no data plan fees or data limits. Service is dependent on the availability of the T-Mobile network where the hotspot is being used.
Checkout period: 7 days
Renewals: Yes*
This service is generously supported by the Alachua County Library District Foundation.
*Due to the popularity of our WiFi2Go hotspots, there is typically a holds list which stops renewals from being allowed