MONROE, CT —- A bicycle pump, a metal detector, three telescopes, a sewing machine and two digital cameras are among the more than 100 items available for patrons to check out of Edith Wheeler Memorial Library’s new Library of Things.
The shelving, built by Maxton Busa and his fellow Boy Scouts from Monroe’s Troop 63 as part of his Eagle Scout project, is outside the reference room on EWML’s main floor.
On Wednesday morning, Library Director Nicole Cignoli held a grand opening ceremony unveiling the new collection of items that residents had donated. The event was attended by Busa and his parents, Sandra and Jim.
“This is exciting, because a Library of Things is an expansion of our deliverables,” Cignoli said. “It also helps us help the public with experiential learning.”
For example, those who never went fishing can check out a fishing pole with hooks, according to Cignoli, who said other experiences could be using a metal detector for the first time or a sewing machine to learn how to sew.
She said the most popular item so far is the metal detector, adding a Newtown resident recently checked out the sewing machine.
A Library of Things gives residents a chance to try something new without investing in it first and to save money and storage space for items they may not use very often.
Technical Services Librarian Gail Wood said EWML’s collection includes items like lawn games and a karaoke machine that will provide good entertainment for graduation and lawn parties.
Cignoli said anyone with a valid library card from any town in the state of Connecticut can take advantage of the collection, searching for what they want from the library’s catalogue online.
Everything in the Library of Things has a bar code and the length of time one can use it depends on the popularity of the item. Some things can be reserved online, but other items, such as laptops, must be checked out at the front circulation desk in person.
Earning his Eagle
Cignoli said she and her staff had wanted to start a Library of Things, before Busa approached her for his Eagle Scout project.
“It really made us focus and get going on this,” she said. “This is a project we really wanted to do.”
Busa worked closely with Wood, Head of Circulation Sharon Kagabines and Luca Bartlomiejczyk, the adult and teen services librarian.
Busa had a collection drive in the parking lot last November, built shelving with help from fellow Boy Scouts and donations from The Home Depot and Lowe’s in Derby.
“We were really lucky they built the shelving,” Wood said of finding a way to display the new collection. “It made it work for us.”
Cignoli showed off a plaque at the top of the shelving that reads: “Scouts BSA Troop 63 Monroe Eagle Scout Project Maxton Busa 2025.”
“We put this right here Max, so you are with us forever,” she said, making Busa smile in appreciation of the gesture.
On Wednesday, Busa added another donation to the Library of Things, a camping set with a grill, two tents, two sleeping bags and two lanterns. Cignoli said the collection has a mobile charging station that will complement it.
Busa said the project was about six months in the making. “I think it looks great,” he said of the Library of Things. “It’s exciting to see it finally here. I would take advantage of it, definitely.”
“I can’t wait to see how it grows,” said his mother, Sandra. “It’s nice to see the whole process of it after starting out on paper.”
“And seeing it complete,” her husband, Jim, added. “It’s great to see the library appreciates it and celebrates it.”
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