Books are just the beginning of what the Library offers for checkout. The Library of Things collection includes fishing poles, literacy kits, board games, telescopes, reminiscing kits, and cake pans, a fan favorite for families like Kat’s.
From baking Minecraft brownies to decorating delicious desserts from her children’s imaginations, Kat has utilized the Library’s collection for six celebrations.
“My kids LOVE baked treats and are so excited when they ask for something crazy and it happens because we can borrow fantastic pans in so many shapes,” Kat said. “One year, my oldest asked for a “dinosaur with wings” (not to be confused with “a winged dinosaur”) and I was able to make something that was perfect.”
The collection started 10 years ago in October 2015 when catalog Librarian Sarah Heuertz donated 40 pans to the library.
“When the library started loaning exercise equipment, I thought, 'Ah, the perfect place for my cake pan collection’,” Heuertz said. “The pans would still be available, others could enjoy using them, and they might bring in people who don’t usually use the library.”
The Library now offers 407 tin molds donated from the community. Customers can check out a variety of shapes, from classic round pans to unique shapes like flowers, snowmen, letters, numbers, and even character sheets such as Elmo, Strawberry Shortcake, and Santa.
“When I tell my out-of-state friends what I’ve checked out recently, they are usually astounded by what I can get on loan,” Kat said. “The Library of Things holds a special place for me, because who knew I might want to try out a phone telescope? Or disc golf? Video games I wanted to try? Gardening supplies? It’s all there.”
Want to borrow a cake pan? Explore the collection: stchlibrary.org/library-things
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