Dothan Houston County Library System Launches a Library of Things

The Dothan Houston County Library System is pleased to announce the launch of a Library of Things. The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that expands the Dothan Houston County Library System’s collection beyond books and provides diverse opportunities for learning and engagement.

The collection provides library-users access to a wide spectrum of items—from cake pans and graphing calculators, to sewing machines and projectors—without the pressure of buying infrequently used objects.

Loaning nontraditional items to patrons to use outside of the library building is part of a growing trend nationally in which public libraries are expanding their services beyond the traditional lending of books, DVDs, and audiobooks.

“Our tagline is Don’t Buy, Borrow. The idea is to lend items that people need, so they won’t have to buy them. This new pilot program is another way that the library is attempting to lessen barriers to access and to make a positive impact on the lives of people in Dothan and Houston County,” said Terah Harris, Deputy Director.

DHCLS library cardholders can reserve items and check them out, for free, for one week at a time. Current materials are primarily hobby, craft, and technology based, but the library is always looking to add more materials to the collection.

For more information about how to reserve and/or checkout an item from the Library of Things, please call or visit one of the Dothan Houston County library locations, or online at www.dhcls.org.