Library Of Things

The Library of Things is a defined collection of physical items for loan that expands the boundaries of traditional library materials. It supports a “sharing economy,” offering an opportunity to “try before you buy” and to test out something you might not have previously considered. The collection supports the Library’s desire to expand access and provide new ways for children and adults to interact. Patrons who borrow an item from the Library of Things collection (“Things”) agree to abide by the Library’s Library of Things lending guidelines below.

Types of Materials Included in Collection (Download a pdf of available items) 

The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide opportunities for learning and interactive engagement. As currently established, the Library of Things may include indoor and outdoor games. The Library reserves the right to expand or discontinue the Library of Things as usage and storage space may allow.

Borrowing

A valid adult Upper Saddle River Library Card (age 18 and older) in good standing, i.e., no outstanding fines/fees or overdue material, must be used to borrow an item in the Library of Things. Due to the limited availability of items in the Library of Things, patrons may borrow up to one (1) indoor game and one (1) outdoor game at a time per family. Borrowers are required to check out Library of Things items in person at the Circulation Desk.

Things must be returned in person to the Circulation Desk. Things may not be returned to the book drop or another library. A $25.00 fee will be applied to any Things being returned to another library.

Unless noted, Things are loaned for seven (7) days with one renewal. A Thing will not renew if another patron is on hold for the item. Things may be put on hold by contacting the Library by phone or email (usdrcirc@bccls.org). Late items incur a fee of $5.00 per day with a max fee of $25.00.

Not all library materials, including Things, may be suitable for all members of the community. Responsibility for a child’s use of library materials, regardless of format or content, remains with the parent or guardian, not with the Library.

Procurement of Materials

The Library staff will select materials for the Library of Things based on the needs and interests of Library patrons. The Library welcomes input and suggestions from the community concerning the collection. A suggestion for purchase may be made via email to usdrcirc@bccls.org

Due to limited storage space and the staff time necessary to evaluate, test and maintain Things, the Library can accept only a limited number of donations. The Library does not accept materials that are not outright gifts, and cannot guarantee the permanence of a gift in the collection. Materials donated to the Library are received with the understanding that they are subject to the same selection, evaluation and disposal criteria as material acquired for purchase. To suggest a donation please email usdrcirc@bccls.org with a description of the item to be donated and your contact information.

Proper Use and Liability

The borrower is solely responsible for borrowed Things and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of Things and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse. A list of replacement costs of Things is maintained by the Library.

The Upper Saddle River Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of any Things and, by checking out Things, the borrower agrees to hold the Library harmless. Patrons will be required to complete a lending agreement at check out.

The responsibility to protect against loss is the borrower’s.  Staff will inspect Things upon return. Borrowers are expected to return the Thing with all parts and components in the original library container to the Circulation desk. A replacement charge will be added to the borrower’s library card for any missing or damaged parts. Things that are lost, damaged or returned in unusable condition will require that the borrower pay the full replacement cost for the Thing. Patrons will be responsible for any damage to a Thing while in their possession.

Evaluation of Collections

The library will use circulation data and community suggestions to guide future selections for the Library of Things collection. Items that are not popular and do not circulate may be withdrawn from the collection.

Library’s Use of Things

The Library reserves the right to take a Thing out of circulation temporarily to use for library purposes (workshops, demonstrations, or other programs), or to repair a damaged item. NOTE: This is a lending program ONLY. Library staff is not available for instruction in the use of Things.