The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items.  Library patrons are required to check out and return Library of Things items to the Reference Desk at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury, MA.

Guidelines for Borrowing and Use

Borrowers must be 18 years of age or older.  A valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing is required to borrow a Thing.  For certain special items (see below), borrowers must sign a copy of the Library of Things Lending Agreement. A Thing must be reserved in advance. Please ask a Reference Librarian for assistance placing holds.

Loan Periods

A Thing may be checked out for up to 14 days with no renewals.

Proper Use and Liability

The borrower is responsible for the Thing and will be billed: if the Thing is not returned by the due date, for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of Things and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse.  A list of replacement costs of Things is maintained by the Library and is available upon request.

Goodnow Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of a Thing.

It is the borrower’s responsibility to protect against loss.  Staff will inspect Things upon return.  Borrowers are expected to return the Thing with all parts, components and carriers to the Reference Desk. Please do NOT return Things to our book drops! If you are not sure how to return these items, please contact [email protected]. Patrons will be responsible for any missing parts or damage to a Thing until it has been checked in and found to be complete and in working order.

Special Items

Special items have a replacement cost over $200.  Special items may include:

  • Carpet Cleaner
  • Hippocampe
  • Mobile Hotspot
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Oculus Quest Gaming Headset
  • Portable Power Station
  • Portable Projector
  • Receipt Scanner
  • Telescope
  • Weed Wrench
  • X-Box Adaptive Gaming Kit