Library of Things
Did you know you can borrow more than books from the library?
The Library of Things is a collection of physical objects that may be borrowed from and returned to an MCFL branch during regular library hours.
Some things (such as technology) are not available in the catalog; those must be requested at a library branch. Checkouts vary by the type of material.
All you need is a library card in good standing and having an MCFL home branch.
For some items borrowers must also sign a lending waiver.
Art, Games & Hobbies
Artwork
Lending Period: 4 weeks
No holds
Framed artwork by 30 Marin artists must be checked out and returned at 5 of our library branches: Corte Madera, Inverness, Marin City, Point Reyes, and South Novato
Ukulele
Lending Period: 3 weeks
No holds allowed
Borrow this kit from the and learn how to play this amazing musical instrument. Must be checked out and returned to the Civic Center library
Crafts Kits
Lending Period: 2 weeks
No holds
6 Kits on embroidery, crochet, knitting, hand sewing, hot gluing, jewelry making and quilting must be checked out and returned to the Corte Madera branch
Video Games
Lending Period: 3 weeks
Holds allowed
An array of Nintendo Switch video games for teens and children to enjoy
Pickleball Kit
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
2 Kits including with paddles and balls must be checked out and returned to the Marin City branch
Educational Kits
Ages & Stages
Lending period: 3 weeks
No holds
The ASQ®-3 questionnaire is a screening tool that pinpoints developmental progress in children between the ages of one month to 5 ½ years. Must be checked out and returned to the Point Reyes and Stinson Beach branches
Conscious Kids
Lending period: 6 weeks
Holds allowed
Books to enjoy and spark conversations about racial equity with our children. Each of 9 different kits includes a selection of books along with a discussion guide
Gardening & Tools
Seed Library
Free seed bank of non-hybrid seeds (from heirloom or open-pollination varieties) including Fruits and Vegetables, Herbs, Flowers, and California Natives. Seed selection varies seasonally and by location, depending on what has been donated
Each location may have limits to the number of packets that can be taken
Weeding Tool
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
Tool Equipment/Waiver needed
Hand-held tool that can remove trees, shrubs, vines, and other unwanted plants by the roots. Must be checked out and returned to the Fairfax and Corte Madera branches
Fruit Picker
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
Tool Equipment/Waiver needed
Reach high fruit with this hand-held tool with attached basket and telescoping pole extension. Must be checked out and returned to the Fairfax and Corte Madera branches
Outdoor & Travel
Hiking Kits
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
Contains everything to enjoy your hike: binoculars, park pass, pocket guides, compass, microscope and much more!
Park Passes
Lending Period: 1 week
Holds allowed
Borrow a Marin Park Pass or a California State Park pass and explore California's natural beauty for free
Stargazing Kits
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
This kit contains supplies for all levels of stargazing, such as a telescope and stargazing guides! Must be checked out and returned to the Fairfax, Civic Center and Corte Madera branches
Birdwatching Backpacks
Lending period: 2 weeks
No holds
Families can check out a backpack with binoculars and local bird guides. Must be checked out and returned to the Bolinas, Inverness, Stinson Beach and Point Reyes branches
Technology
Wi-Fi Hotspots
Lending Period: 3 weeks
MCFL patrons can place holds
Portable pocket-sized mobile router with data service to connect to Wi-Fi and access the Internet from anywhere. Multiple devices can connect to the Hotspot to access the Internet. Chargers are included with the Hotspots. Ask at your local branch
DVD Player
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
No DVD player? No problem! Check out a DVD player from the library along with your favorite movies. Ask at your local branch
Chromebooks
Lending Period: 3 weeks
No holds
Check out one of these simplified laptop computers based on Google’s Chrome browser. Chromebooks are fast, secure and easy to use. They are Internet-only devices, and require Wi-Fi to provide online access via Google Chrome. Ask at your local branch
Kill-a-Watt
Lending Period: 1 week
Holds allowed
Calculate your home's cumulative electrical expenses and forecast by the day, week, month, even an entire year. Also check the quality of your power by monitoring Voltage, Line Frequency, and Power Factor
Induction Cooktop
Lending Period: 1 week
No holds
Energy efficient appliance that is better for indoor air quality and the environment. Offered at each library branch in partnership with the Sustainability Team of Marin County’s Community Development Agency and the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN).