The Library of Things at the Oak Bluffs Public Library is a service that offers things for patrons to checkout – from Wi-Fi Hotspots to board games to sewing machines. The collection supports lifelong learning and creativity by providing the physical tools necessary to explore new areas of interest and learn new skills.
Available for Checkout
Board Games
We have over 60 board games and are adding new ones through the year. Whether you want to try a classic like Axis & Allies or try something new like Azul, the library has a wide variety of party, strategy, family and thematic games. Check one out for your next game night.
Checkout period : 2 weeks
Holdable: yes, but only in OBPL
Renewable : yes
Replacement fee : varies per game
See our entire collection of board games on the online catalog.
Birding Backpacks
Discover the rich birdlife we have on the island by checking out one of our two birding backpacks, complete with a field guide, binoculars, and a birding journal to leave notes for your fellow birders.
Checkout period : 2 weeks
Holdable: yes, but only in OBPL
Renewable : no
Replacement fee : $100 for the bag and its contents
Wi-Fi Hotspots
Take the internet with you when you leave the library! Stay connected on the road, on the boat, and even on the beach. Unlimited data is yours for free when you check out the device on your library card. Note: patrons must read and sign a Wifi Hotspot Lending Agreement prior to checking out a hotspot for the first time.
Checkout period : 2 weeks
Holdable: no – hotspots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A 24-hour waiting period is required before a patron can check out another hotspot.
Renewable : no
Late fee: None, but the data is remotely shut off
Replacement fee : $50
Check the online catalog to see whether we have any Wi-Fi hotspots currently available. To see OBPL’s hotspots, click “+ Show remaining copies/volumes “
Fishing Poles
Explore the island’s fishing tradition with one of our three Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater fishing poles, complete with rod, reel and a small tacklebox.
Checkout period : 3 days
Holdable: yes, but only in OBPL
Renewable : no
Replacement fee : $50
Check the online catalog to see whether any of the fishing poles are currently available. Note that most of the fishing poles are stored for the season starting in October.
Library on the Lawn
Enjoy the outdoors on the Vineyard this summer without buying games and toys that you’ll only use once.
Checkout period : 3 days
Holdable: yes, but only in OBPL
Renewable : yes
Replacement fee : varies per item
Some our our Library on the Lawn equipment includes:
Picnic Blankets
Umbrellas
Bocce Ball
Lawn Checkers
Bean Bag Toss
Lawn Checkers
Slammo
Ladder Toss
Giant Uno
Giant Yahtzee
Giant Dominoes
Giant Jenga
Giant Connect Four
Outdoor bowling
Croquet set
Check the online catalog to see whether any of the above equipment is currently available. Note that most of these items are stored for the season starting in October.
Radon Detector
The battery-powered radon detector allows you to take a reading of radon levels and its LCD screen displays the average daily, weekly and long term concentrations. Comes with a small chart that indicates safe, moderate and unsafe levels.
Checkout period : 2 weeks
Holdable: yes, but only in OBPL
Renewable : no
Replacement fee : $150
Sensory Equipment for Children
Children of all abilities can delight in a variety of different sensory experiences packaged in a colorful backpack waiting for you to take it home. Most of the sensory equipment available at OBPL was purchased with LSTA funds provided by the MBLC.
Checkout period : 2 weeks
Holdable: yes, but only in OBPL
Renewable : yes
Replacement fee : varies per item
PURPLE BACKPACK / PUPPY HUGS – SENSORY TOY LENDING LIBRARY
GREEN BACKPACK / WIGGLE SEAT- SENSORY TOY LENDING LIBRARY
TEAL BACKPACK / SHAPES IN A BAG – SENSORY TOY LENDING LIBRARY
RED BACKPACK / SENSORY TWISTZ – SENSORY TOY LENDING LIBRARY
Check the online catalog to see whether any of the sensory equipment is currently available.
Sewing Machines
Soon to be available for checkout, the library has 5 Singer Heavy Duty sewing machines! Machines are currently available as in-house use. Please call 508-693-9433 and speak to Allyson to arrange a day and time during which you’d like to use the machine. We supply scissors, thread, and some scrap fabric.
Contact Us
Want to make a purchase suggestion, donate a gently used thing, or volunteer to help? Get in touch!
Contact Allyson Malik by phone at (508) 693-9433 or send an email to amalik@clamsnet.org
Collections
