Check Out the Library of Things at LPCPL

If you already have a La Porte County Public Library card, you know that your card gives you free access to a wealth of information and entertainment. In addition to the thousands of books, DVDs and CDs that you can check out from the library, you can also borrow e-books, audiobooks, movies and music through our digital library 24/7.  

Your library card also gives you access to our catalog of items, better known as the Library of Things. This includes items available for use at the Library and items you can take home with you.

At the Library

Makerspace Equipment, puzzles, games, and Rigamajigs are all accessible and available for use at the Library. (*Not available at all branches.)

At the LPCPL Exchange, you can learn a new skill on equipment like the Cricut, Epilog Laser Cutter, sewing machines, 3D printers, wood lathes, drill press, and more! Choose from the many machines and watch a tutorial before scheduling your Start It! to gain one-on-one training. The possibilities of what you can create are endless! Let your creativity soar and become certified on the several machines at the Exchange.   

Each Library branch has a variety of puzzles and games available for in-house fun with family or friends! Unwind with a puzzle or challenge a friend to a competitive board game.

Rigamajig Basic Builders are large-scale building kits that inspire creativity, collaboration, and invention through open-ended play. Rigamajigs are available at the Union Mills branch, and the Rigamajig Basic Builder Workshop with Simple Machines and Locomotion add-ones are located in the Multipurpose Room at Main. Rigamajigs can also be requested for school visits and outreach events. 

Take it Home

LPCPL has over 40 Curriculum Kits for educators to choose from! These kits are intended for classroom use (apps and devices are not included). Incorporate a kit into an existing lesson plan, or integrate them to your room for a new and fun structured activity. Some kits include books around a specific theme, while others include hands-on materials to promote crafting, designing, building, coding, and more. There are a variety of kits to choose from, and are labeled by suggested grade level.  

Memory Kits include materials to engage in reminiscence therapy or group discussion and are intended for caregivers to use with a loved one or patient. Kits can be borrowed for up to 30 days at a time, and each include 40 photo/activity cards, a DVD, I Spy cards, tactile objects, books, puzzles, figures and a dry erase marker and eraser. LPCPL has a variety of themed-kits, ranging from the four seasons to reminiscent favorites such as the great outdoors, dogs, cats, and more.

Over 20 Sharing Kits are available for children and families to take home and to encourage early literacy and play. All Sharing Kits include multiple books surrounding a similar theme. Some of the themes are insects, emotions, construction, food, marine biology, the rainforest, and more. In addition to a collection of books, some kits even include DVDs, toys, puzzles, CDs, a Launchpad and games!

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) has been growing in popularity over the past few years. STEAM Kits are intended for families to use and learn together! Each kit includes equipment, resources and stories to encourage problem solving and hands-on learning. Some kits require the use of apps and devices that are not included. Kits can be borrowed up to 30 days and renewed if no one else is waiting. Some STEAM Kits cover topics such as geology, the human body, coding, robotics, and circuits. 

In addition to the several kits available, Slow Cookers and Instant Pots are available for all your cooking needs! Both come with flexible cutting boards, information sheets, and From Freezer to Cooker by Polly Conner. Both can be checked out for 30 days, and must be cleaned before returned inside at a customer service desk.

If you’re looking to get active, LPCPL offers Foam Rollers and Yoga Kits for you to take home for up to 30 days. A foam roller comes with The MELT Method by Sue Hitzmann, and information sheets about foam rolling and breathing techniques. Yoga Kits come with a yoga mat, yoga strap, foam blocks, a knee pad, and DVDs for three levels: beginners, more advanced yoga practitioners, and for those over 50.

Hotspots and TechPacks provide everything you need to access the internet from anywhere. Hotspots come with instructors and a Micro-USB charging cord and can be checked out for up to 30 days. TechPacks include a Chromebook, Wi-Fi hotspot, mouse, and instructions to get you started. Digital Navigators will work with you to identify your technology goals before loaning you a TechPack. After meeting with a Digital Navigator, TechPacks can be borrowed for up to three months.