Library of Things
The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items that complement the Chanute Public Library’s mission to provide educational, cultural, and recreational materials to meet the present and future needs of users. Patrons who borrow a “Thing” agree to abide by the Chanute Public Library’s Library of Things borrowing guidelines.
General Guidelines
- The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement. The Library of Things is not intended to be comprehensive, as the Library is limited by a finite amount of funds and storage space for these items. The Library staff will select materials for the Library of Things based on the needs and interest of Library patrons. The Library welcomes input from the community concerning the collection. All suggestions for purchases are evaluated using the same selections criteria as for other materials.
- Items may be checked out to patrons ages 18 and older who have a Chanute Public Library card in good standing (has $5.00 or less in fines on their card). Patrons must present a physical library card or have a photo ID with them when checking out a Thing. Patrons must check out Things using their personal card and cannot use another patron’s account to check out the Thing, regardless of account permissions.
Objects lent out by the Library through its Library of Things collection must be checked out from and returned to the Downstairs Circulation Desk. They may not be returned in the book drop or at any other location. - Things are not considered returned until all items associated with it (excluding items that not returnable due to the nature of the Thing – for example, one-use items such as worksheets, etc.) have been returned to the library in good condition. An inventory of items in the kit will be included along with associated replacement costs for the items.
- Library staff will inspect Things prior to borrowing and again upon return. Things should be returned in the same condition as when borrowed. Kitchen items and other things that have gotten dirty while borrowed should be cleaned before returning.
- Due to the nature of the items contained within the Library of Things, these items will not be shared via courier to other libraries in the Southeast Kansas Library System or through ShareIt. The library may also take the Thing out of circulation for use of programming or to replace missing parts of the kit.
Not all library materials may be suitable for all members of the community. Responsibility for a child’s use of library materials, regardless of format or content, lies with the parent or guardian, not the library. - Because of the variety of Things available to check out, some of which are fragile, expensive, and/or designed for use by individuals of a certain maturity level, circulation policies have been developed based on the type of Thing to be checked out.
Loaning Periods and Fines
- Most items may be borrowed for 7 days and may only be renewed once. Special exceptions may be made for organizations with organizational cards. A maximum of 2 Things per card may be checked out. Library staff may limit the number of repeat loans of a specific item to a household in the interest of ensuring fair access for all patrons.
- Repeated late returns or lost and/or damaged items may result in loss of Library of Things borrowing privileges.
If a Thing is lost or not returned after 30 days, charges will be applied to the cardholder’s account for the value of the item until either the Thing is returned in good condition (in which case, a $5 late will be applied to the account) or the replacement cost is paid. If a Thing is returned damaged, the cardholder will be charged for the repairs or replacement of the item. - A $1 cleaning fee may be applied if items are returned in poor conditions and require additional cleaning. A $1 fee may be applied if the Thing is returned in the book drop.
Liability
- Use care when handling the Thing. The borrower is solely responsible for the Thing 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. The Library has sole discretion in making these decisions.
- All items lent by the Chanute Public Library are the property of the Chanute Public Library. The borrower agrees that the Chanute Public Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed Things.
- The Chanute Public Library is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage that may occur from using a Thing. The responsibility to protect against loss is the borrower’s.
- The borrower agrees that if the borrowed Thing becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, the borrower will immediately discontinue use of the Thing and return it to the Chanute Public Library.
- Before borrowing any Thing, the borrower will sign a patron waiver provided by the library, which will be kept on file. The borrower acknowledges that he or she is capable of using the Thing in a safe and proper manner.
Early Literacy Rotational Kits
Thanks to a grant from Child Care Aware and collaboration with Southeast Kansas Library System, we are now offering early literacy rotational kits. Intended for use by schools, daycares, and homeschool families, these kits are meant as teaching aids while working with young children. These items can only be checked with an organizational card. Contact the library for more information.
Other equipment and kits (such as projectors, water tables, etc.) may not be able to travel on the courier to the library. Please call the library to arrange a time when such items should be picked up.
SEKLS Library of Things and Kits
The Southeast Kansas Library System has more Library of Things kits and equipment that can be checked out through the Chanute Public Library. Like the early literacy rotational kits, these are intended for use by schools, daycares, and homeschool families. These items can only be checked with an organizational card. Some equipment cannot travel on the courier. If you are interested in these items, you must contact the Chanute Public Library and schedule a delivery time.
Chanute Public Library
111 N. Lincoln Ave
Chanute, Kansas 66720
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