Since it was created a year ago, the "Library of Things" at the MPL has helped countless people and maybe even saved a marriage. If you're looking to borrow common items like a power-washer, outdoor games and even a ceremonial big check, visit today.
“DON’T BUY — BORROW”:
‘LIBRARY OF THINGS’ NEARS FIRST ANNIVERSARY
MIDDLETOWN, RI (AUGUST 12, 2025) – Middletown Public Library’s “Library of Things” is approaching its first anniversary, celebrating nearly a year of lending far more than books to the community.
The innovative service allows patrons to borrow items ranging from giant Jenga sets to inflatable movie screens, reflecting a trend that originated in London more than a decade ago and has since spread to libraries around the world.
Library Director Kim Usselman said the idea was on her mind from the start of her tenure in Middletown.
“Honestly, I was surprised that we didn’t have one already,” Usselman said. “We had a few items, but creating the system and policies along with categorizing each item into the pillars we have in our collection today was a challenge.”
Those categories — Tools and Equipment, Health and Wellness, Fun and Games, and Electronics and Technology — now serve as the backbone of the collection, which has grown to roughly 60 items so far.
In order to borrow from the Library of Things, patrons need an Ocean State Library Card, which is available for free. Most items are available for a seven-day checkout period.
The list of items in the collection was shaped by a series of surveys and crowdsourcing efforts designed to determine what Middletown residents could really use. For anyone with ideas for future additions, library staff welcome suggestions at staff@middletownlibraryri.gov via email.
“Don’t buy — borrow,” Usselman added, emphasizing the core value behind the program. “We want to save people money and make it easy to access useful items that they may only need once or twice a year.”
As Middletown looks forward to the completion of its new library building at the 110 Enterprise Center, scheduled for 2026, the Library of Things is expected to expand even further. Usselman said there is strong community demand for certain items, which will help guide future growth.
“I’d love to see more entries in the tool library and board games,” she noted. “Those are the most requested and we want to go with what the community wants.”
The program has already made a real difference in people’s lives. Assistant Library Director Sue Connor shared one such moment from earlier this year.
After losing her wedding ring while gardening, a local woman came to the library in search of a metal detector — an item available through the Library of Things. She returned later that same day, metal detector in hand and her ring safely recovered.
“She said this program not only saved her money, but may have saved her marriage!” Connor recalled with a smile.
With a focus on practical, cost-saving, and sometimes even marriage-saving resources, the Library of Things embodies the Middletown Public Library’s mission to serve its community in creative, meaningful ways. As the new facility takes shape, patrons can look forward to even more opportunities to borrow, share, and discover.
For more information on the Library of Things and a full list of available items, visit http://mdl.town/things online.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-LOT
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Landon Resendes
Town Administrative Intern
401-849-2898
lresendes@middletownri.gov