Orland Park Library To Offer Tents, Ladders In 'Library Of Things'

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park residents may not be able to fit their latest check-outs through the library slot anymore, Orland Park Public Library officials announced.

Beginning May 2, residents can come to the library and find items they may only need once and don't want to have to purchase such as ladders, tents, folding tables, metal detectors, moving blankets and more.

The new "Library of Things" is made possible through the library's budget. Last summer, librarians reached out to the Orland Park community and asked what they would like to see from their local library.

Over 400 patrons responded to the survey, a spokeswoman for the library told Patch. Of the requested items, most patrons said they would like to check out a coin counter.

Survey results came in August of 2021 and library employees have been working ever since to build up the newest collection.

"We are really excited to launch the Library of Things," said Theresa Hildebrand, a patron services manager at the library. "We've been working on this for a while to make sure that the items we picked are what patrons want and they will last through many borrows."

While items are funded through the library, many were donated by residents and businesses who heard about the initiative and wanted to help.

According to library officials, a metronome and microscope were donated from library patrons and CPR kits were given to the library by the Orland Park Fire District. Those items along with a wheelchair, Kill-a-Watt meters and more will belong in the Library of Things.

Hildebrand said patrons will not have to pay to use the items and will only need a valid library card to participate. Certain items will require adults check them out and sign a waiver in order to retain the items for the permitted two weeks.

If no one is waiting for use of the item, officials said, all items can be renewed just like a library book or DVD. Adult Services Manager Katie Allan said the initiative even makes the library a bit more environmentally friendly.

"Checking out a moving dolly and packing blankets from the library is much more affordable —and greener — than buying them for a single use," she said.

Allan also said the library hopes the addition of tents and other outdoor items will help patrons participate fully in upcoming summer library programs which will center on outdoor exploration.