The Library of Things is a fun and unique collection of items you can borrow—going beyond books and movies! It’s all about sharing, discovering, and trying something new.

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✨ Why you’ll love it:

• Supports sharing 

• Encourages hands-on learning and play

• Offers new ways for children and adults to interact and explore

 

By borrowing an item (called a “Thing”), you agree to follow the guidelines below.

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🧸 What’s in the Collection?

• A rotating collection of games and puzzles

• Items designed for learning, play, and interactive engagement

• The collection may grow or change over time based on:

  • Popularity

  • Community interest

  • Available storage space

 

📄 A full list of available items is available as a downloadable PDF.

 

 

📚 Borrowing a Thing

To borrow from the Library of Things:

• You must have a valid Montvale Public Library card

  • Age 18 or older

  • Account must be in good standing (no fines, fees, or overdue items)

• All items must be:

  • Checked out in person at the Circulation Desk

  • Returned in person to the Circulation Desk
    🚫 No book drops or returns to other libraries

 

 

⏰ Loan Periods 

• Most Things circulate for 14 days

• One renewal is allowed (if no one else is waiting)

• Items cannot be renewed if another patron has a hold

 

 

👨‍👩‍👧 Parental Responsibility

• Not all items are suitable for every age

• Parents and guardians are responsible for their child’s use of all library materials—not the Library

 

 

🛒 Suggesting or Donating Items

 

Suggest a Purchase:

• Library staff select items based on community interest

• We love suggestions!

• Email ideas to: Bombace@montvale.bccls.org

 

Donations:

• Due to limited space, only a small number of donations can be accepted

• Items must be outright gifts (no conditions)

• Donations may be evaluated, added, or withdrawn like any other library item

• To suggest a donation, email:

  • A description of the item and your contact information to Bombace@montvale.bccls.org

 

 

⚠️ Proper Use & Responsibility

When you borrow a Thing:

• You are fully responsible for:

  • The item

  • All parts and accessories

• Items must be returned:

  • Complete

  • Clean

  • In the original library container

• Library staff will inspect items upon return

 

💲 Lost or damaged items:

• You will be charged for:

  • Missing parts

  • Damage

  • Full replacement cost if unusable

• Replacement cost lists are maintained by the Library

• The Library may accept replacement items in place of payment

 

 

🛑 Liability

• The Montvale Public Library is not responsible for injuries, loss, or damage related to the use of Things

• By borrowing, you agree to hold the Library harmless

 

 

🏫 Library Use of Things

• The Library may temporarily remove items from circulation for:

  • Programs

  • Workshops

  • Demonstrations

  • Repairs

• ⚠️ This is a lending program only
  Library staff are not available to provide instructions beyond what comes with the item