Online catalog will provide resident cardholders free access to borrow tools, musical instruments, recreational equipment, and more
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRLibraries) is expanding beyond its collection of books to offer a Library of Things, providing resident cardholders free access to borrow tools, musical instruments, recreational equipment, and more.
Beginning November 17, library patrons can browse and reserve items through the library’s online catalog. Once the hold is ready, cardholders will receive a pickup notice and can collect their items at most FVRLibraries locations. Items are available for a three-week checkout period at no cost.
“The Library of Things represents what libraries do best, providing equal access to resources,” said FVRLibraries Executive Director Jennifer Giltrop. “Whether someone wants to try pickleball, needs a drill for a weekend project, or wants to explore a new hobby like sewing, we’re expanding what it means to have access — and making it easier to learn, create, and try something new.”
This collection encompasses a diverse assortment of items across multiple categories:
- Music & Audio: ukuleles, keyboards, podcasting microphones, and GoPro cameras
- Crafting & Sewing: sewing machines, sergers, and knitting machines
- Tools & Home Projects: stud finders, laser levels, drills and drill bit kits
- Hobbies: pickleball sets, metal detectors, and bird-watching kits
- Baking & Kitchen: specialty cake pans in fun shapes
- Learning & Play: educational toys, puzzles, and building blocks
- Tech & Creative Gear: projectors, ring lights, and blood pressure monitors
The launch of the Library of Things is made possible through generous support from the Library Foundation, which has invested $15,000 in 2025 to help build the initial collection. The Foundation has also committed additional funding in 2026 to grow and refine offerings in response to community feedback.
FVRLibraries welcomes patron suggestions for future additions to the collection and is accepting donations of new or like-new items that support creativity, learning, or everyday projects.
Pickup locations: Items can be picked up at all FVRLibraries locations except Yacolt, Yale, North Bonneville, and Vancouver Mall.
For more information, visit https://www.fvrl.org/library-of-things/.
Information provided by Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries.
Also read:
- Veterans Advisory Board seeks two new employees for Veterans Assistance Center
Clark County’s 33,000-plus veterans could gain dedicated mental health and case management services if the council approves funding. - Letter: Charter Review Commission town hall set for Battle Ground Sunday
Fifteen elected commissioners are gathering public input before an Aug. 4 submission deadline for November ballot amendments. - Yacolt Community Church pastor remembered following fatal motorcycle crash
Yacolt flags flew at half-staff as the community mourned Pastor Bill Douglas, killed in a single-motorcycle crash on May 27. - Class of 2026 spotlight: Rego scholarship recipient Parker Christian of Union High School
Parker Christian, a 4.0 student-athlete, overcame blood clot surgeries to earn a Rego Athletic Scholarship and a college baseball spot. - Class of 2026 spotlight: Rego scholarship recipient Brooke Stewart of Battle Ground High School
Battle Ground senior Brooke Stewart earned the Rego Athletic Scholarship by embodying the late coach’s spirit of positive leadership. - Opinion: Democrats’ broken promises
Washington’s CCA has added 47 cents per gallon to gas prices, far beyond the “pennies” promised in 2021. - Regional Transportation Council passes resolution asking IBR to extend light rail to Library Square
RTC voted 12-2 against Mayor McEnerny-Ogle’s push to lock light rail to Library Square into writing.
