Hopkinton Library Holding Launch Event For New Library of Things on October 22

In full transparency, the following is a press release from the Town of Hopkinton.

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HOPKINTON — Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Library Director Nanci Milone-Hill announced the launch of the Hopkinton Public Library’s new Library of Things.

The Library of Things official launch, “Meet the Things,” will take place at the Hopkinton Public Library on Saturday, october 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Community members are invited to the event to see demonstrations of selected Library of Things items, to browse the current collection, or to reserve items for pickup at a later date.

A schedule of events for the launch can be found here.

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The Library of Things is a collection of items such as games, puzzles, technology equipment, crafts and more. Although similar to books in that they help to educate, entertain and inspire their users, Library of Things items appeal to a broad range of residents and are helpful at many different points of need.

All Library of Things items are free to borrow with the CW MARS library card.

“I hope that these collections will help folks explore hobbies, crafts, and projects that they may have been interested in but never made the jump into, or even give folks ideas for new hobbies they might want to try,” said Adult Services Librarian Danielle Cook.

Planned additions to the Library of Things are instruments, home improvement tools, tabletop gaming kits and lawn games. Children’s items will factor into the collection in the future, as well as a dedicated library Makerspace for larger equipment such as a 3D printer, laser cutter and sewing machines.

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“While still the great equalizer when it comes to technology, we have begun to offer items that community members can try out before investing in, as well as offering larger-scale items that people may not be able to afford on their own,” Director Milone-Hill said. “The idea of a Library of Things fits this larger idea of resource sharing and expands it beyond just books.”

The exploration and discovery of new ideas are central to the Hopkinton Public Library mission, and the Library of Things serves as a brand new launching point for area residents’ personal growth. The initiative was initially conceptualized in 2019, but its coordination and launch was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Library of Things collection is generously supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc., which sponsored the initial collection and has also provided for future development.

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To see what is currently available to borrow, and to stay updated on the latest additions, visit the Hopkinton Public Library’s Library of Things page: hopkintonlibrary.org/libraryofthings.

Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its original mission was to raise private funds to defray the Town’s cost of restoring, renovating and expanding the library’s historic building.

With the opening of this historic project in 2017, the Foundation continues its mission of supporting the Library by funding resources, technology, educational and special projects, and long term improvements to the Library.

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The Foundation’s fundraising efforts will seek to bridge the gap between the community’s aspirations for its Library and the usual or customary funding available from municipal budgets.

Working in partnership with the Library, as well as supporting the Trustees and Friends of the Library, the Foundation encourages continued and increased support of the Hopkinton Public Library as a valuable community resource. For more information about the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, visit hopkintonpubliclibraryfoundation.org.

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