For months, Amarillo Public Library has been working to create a new collection of items to serve APL cardholders and now the Library of Things is ready to launch on April 20!

A library of things is a collection of objects to loan which differ from the traditional library offerings of books and media. Items in a library of things often include kitchen appliances, tools, gardening equipment, electronics, toys and games, art and science equipment, musical instruments, and recreational equipment such as sports and outdoors gear. Especially appropriate are objects that are useful occasionally but costly to purchase or cumbersome to store, such as specialized cookware or niche technology items.

The APL Library of Things will be housed at the Downtown Library, which has adequate storage for the new collection.

APL Director of Library Services Amanda Barrera says the library of things movement is a growing trend in public, academic, and special libraries in many countries. “Libraries in the US that offer a library of things have found it to be a useful service that saves money and improves quality of life for their patrons. We are grateful to the Friends of the Library, the Library Advisory Board, Panhandle Gives donors, and City of Amarillo leadership for helping make the APL Library of Things a reality.”

Friends of the Amarillo Public Library made the APL Library of the Things the focus of its 2025 participation in The Panhandle Gives, and all the funds raised through the Amarillo Area Foundation’s annual philanthropy campaign were dedicated to creation of the new collection.

To access the Library of Things, patrons must be APL cardholders, at least 18 years old, with an account in good standing that has been registered for at least 90 days. Patrons will place items on hold, and they will be available to pick up the following day.

Barrera says the list of things that will eventually be part of the collection is extensive, but for now, APL is starting small. “The Library of Things will require a different set of procedures for check out and check in. Many items will have multiple pieces that have to be verified when an article leaves and when it is returned. Starting with just a few things will help us discover what kind of challenges this new service might present and make it a more positive experience for our cardholders.”

The initial collection will include:

• OBD Code Reader (automotive diagnostic tool)
• Jumper Cables
• Knitting Machine
• Plein Air Easel
• Reel Lawn Mower
• Lawn Aerator
• Croquet Set
• Golf Clubs
• Food Vacuum Sealer
• Cake Pan Set
• Karaoke Machine
• Ghost Hunting Kit
• Otamatone
• Picture Hanging Kit (stepstool, laser level, stud finder)
• Sander
• Tool Kit
• Wrench Set
• Xcel Power Meter
• Radon Detector

For more information about the APL Library of Things, please contact Coordinator of PR and Programming Stacy Clopton.