The Library of Things: Deschutes Public Library has much more than just books for you to check out

(Update: Adding video, comments from library staff)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  A program at the Deschutes Public Library lets you check out much more than just books. And there are plenty more new things coming your way.

"Within the new bookshelves, we are adding and expanding to that," Technical Services Manager Emily O’Neal said Friday. "So you'll start to see what's considered new to the library, a new large print, new graphic novels, adult teens and kids, new manga and new DVDs. And then we also are putting a lot of our focus on our building remodel."

So you can do much more than borrow your favorite books. One of the collections the library has is called the Library of Things.

 Collection Development Librarian Le Button said, "The Library of Things is kind of all-encompassing collections of non-traditional things."

 If you want to try your hand at a hobby or explore your passions, you can. There are knitting kits, air fryers, banjo kits, bike repair kits and many other kits for you to try your hand at. 

And as the internet has become essential for Americans' day-to-day lives, the library is also offering hotspots.

O’Neal said, "There are hotspots at all branches. Plus, if your looking for a new hobby, the library has you covered. We offer what we call 'curriculum crates,' which are big bins of materials about one particular topic."

The bin would be used if you're wanting to learn and teach with your child or homeschooling to a topical base bin with all of the information on that particular topic. And for all you bookworms, the library also offers book club kits, with everything you need to start your own. 

While the libraries are open to people of all ages, right now only adult cardholders can check items out of the Library of Things, but that won't be true for long.

 Button said, "Starting early next year, we are going to be expanding the program to add in items for kids and teens. That's something we're really excited about."

 You can borrow the items for at least three weeks at a time before having to return them. And they can't be put on hold -- it's first come, first-served.