Monroe, CT — All are welcome to Edith Wheeler Memorial Library’s grand opening for its Library of Things this Wednesday, April 16, at 11 a.m. A Library of Things is a collection of items for loan that expands the boundaries of traditionally defined library materials.
It 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.
Another goal of a Library of Things is to save natural resources by not buying more things than we need and borrowing them instead. Libraries worldwide are adding a Library of Things to the typical collections of books, magazines, audio and visual materials.
The library has been collecting items that can be easily stored and transported. EWML is emphasizing kitchen items, tools, games and crafts. It has individual items like a metal detector, sewing machines, fishing poles and hooks, and outdoor games as well as board games.
EWML’s collections would not be possible without Maxton Busa’s Eagle Scout project focused on helping it start its own Library of Things.
Busa and seven scouts from Monroe’s Troop 63, under the guidance of Scout Master John Goyette, Assistant Scout Master Jim Busa, his father, and Assistant Scout Master and Busa’s project mentor, Sean Cornut, built shelving to house the collection.
Busa organized fall and spring donation drives to augment the collection.
For information about EWML’s Library of Things, visit ewml.org or call Library Director Nicole Cignoli, 203-452-2854.
