Frequently Asked Questions

Library of Things FAQs

  • General Questions

    A Library of Things is a library collection that goes beyond books and media to include physical items people can borrow and use—often things that are useful but expensive, bulky, or rarely needed.
     
    Our Library of Things collection includes such items as musical instruments, Wi-Fi hotspots, iPads, eReaders, museum passes, board games as well as other household item and activity and educational kits.
     
    For a complete list of items visit our Library of Things, opens a new window page.
     
     

    No, there is no cost to borrow any item from the Library of Things collection and there are no overdue fines.  But patrons may be charged service fees for items that are not returned on time.  

    A $15 service fee will be added to a patron’s account once a museum pass is more than three (3) days overdue.
    A $25 reconnection fee will be added to a patron’s account once a hotspot is more than three (3) days overdue.
    A $25 reactivation fee will be added to a patron’s account once a tablet is more than three (3) days overdue.

    The replacement cost of any lost/damaged item is the ‘cost of item’ plus a processing fee. 

    If a part or piece of the Library of Things item is lost or damaged you may be charged only for the cost of that part.

    Library of Things items can only be renewed if not requested by another library patron.

    The majority of SDG Library of Things items have a borrowing period of 21 days, however there are some exceptions due to popularity (Mobile internet Hotspots have a loan period of ten (10) days). For more information, on the item you are looking to borrow, please view the description of the item in the catalogue, or ask Branch staff.

    No. Due to limited space and nature of the items Library of Things items must be picked up and returned in person to one of our fifteen SDG Library Branches.

    If a patron borrows an item with multiple pieces, all pieces must be present at time of return. If a patron does not return with all the pieces, then they cannot return the item. The patron will need to wait to return the item until all components are together.

  • Musical Instruments

    All of our musical instruments are housed at our MakerLab, opens a new window in Finch but you can request any instrument for pickup at your home branch.

    All of our stringed instruments come with auto tuners or you can use an app such as Pano Tuner which is available for both Android, opens a new window or iOS., opens a new window

    Musical instruments can be borrowed for three (3) weeks.

    Broken strings are part of the normal "wear and tear" of our musical instruments and as such we will not charge patrons to replace the strings.  Patrons are asked to inform branch staff at the time of check in if strings are broken so repairs can be made in a timely manner.

  • Technology & Gadgets

    This kit converts both audio and video from older formats (VHS tapes, Camcorder tapes, Hi8, Cassette tapes, and more) into a digital file (WAV, MP3, or MP4) that you can save to your computer, device, or on to a personal USB Stick.

    No, the iPads come preloaded with a variety of popular apps but downloading additional apps is restricted.

    Before diving into your ReaderPen experience, consider using the Run Wizard feature (Menu > Settings) to tailor the settings to your individual preferences. The Run Wizard guides you through a series of questions to select the optimal settings for your needs, including language, voice, reading speed, and more.

    By taking advantage of this feature, you can enhance your reading experience and ensure that the ReaderPen is perfectly suited to your unique requirements. Simply follow the prompts provided by the Run Wizard upon initial setup, and enjoy a customized reading experience tailored just for you.

    Yes! The C-Pen Reader 2 can scan and read printed text from books, newspapers, magazines, and more.

    ReaderPens can be requested from our online catalogue, opens a new window and sent to your library branch of choice for pickup (no Library Express Depots, however). The C-Pen has a borrowing period of 21 days. They can be returned to any branch during open hours only.

     

    The mobile hotspots have a loan period of ten (10) days. After three (3) days of being overdue, the mobile hotspot will be disconnected and a reconnection fee of $25 will be placed on a patron's account. This charge will be in addition to the $1 per day late fee.

  • Entertainment & Games

    We don't currently lend video games but we do have loanable Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems.  This gaming console comes pre-loaded with 20 classic video games from the 90's.

    Board games can be borrowed for two (2) weeks.  They are renewable as long as there are no other holds requests.

  • Museum & Park Passes

    No, unfortunately the museum passes only cover general admission.  Parking and fees for special events and exhibits are not covered with the passes.  Each pass has their own conditions for use so please check our catalogue, opens a new window for details for each individual pass.

    Not usually as our passes are quite popular so their is usually a long holds queue (waitlist) for passes.  Please keep in mind that you have five (5) open days to pick up your museum pass from the library and the loan period for museum passes is one week.

    No, the library does not charge to borrow passes but due to their popularity there is a $15.00 service charge if passes are returned late.

    Museum passes can be borrowed for one (1) week.  

    The following passes are available to borrow year around from the Library of Things collection:

    • National Gallery of Canada
    • Ingenium Pass (Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canadian Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum)
    • Canadian Museum of Nature
    • Canadian Museum of History & Canadian War Museum
    • Ontario Parks Pass

    Seasonal Passes are also available for the following:

    • SDG Historic Jail
    • Upper Canada Village

     

  • Early Learning & Education

    Patrons are responsible to returning all library materials in good condition.  If you lose or break a piece from a kit please inform library staff before you return it.  Staff will review the missing/damaged piece and charges may be applied for replacement cost of that specific piece (not the entire kit).

    Our Storytime kits are built around a theme to help present an engaging, age‑appropriate storytime. They are designed to save planning time while supporting early literacy and interaction. Each Storytime kit will include two (2) children’s books, activity sheets and learning games, a sensory toy, and a caregiver guide with practical reading tips. 

    Each kit contains a variety of books and activities to help children develop phonics skills. Many are themed around crowd-favorite characters such as Pete the Cat, Marvel, Pinkalicious, PJ Masks, Angelina Ballerina, and PAW Patrol, so your little ones will be excited to learn alongside their favorite fictional friends

  • Activity Kits

    This kit includes the following:

    • DIY Science Outdoors : Over 25 Incredible STEM Activities for Outdoor Learning (book)
    • Adventures OutdoorsPuddles : 30 Pictures and Activity Ideas
    • Adventures OutdoorsWind : 30 Pictures and Activity Ideas
    • Clipboard
    • Rectangular Magnifier
    • Clear Flexible Ruler
    • Student Thermometer
    • Extendable Insect Net
    • Pack of  eight (8) Clear Buckets With Carry Handles That Can Easily Show Proportion and Volume
    • Set of five (5) Plastic Nesting Graduated Beakers
    • Set of six (6) Test Tubes With Stand & Activity Guide
    • Horseshoe Magnet
    • List of Additional Links and Resources for Parents 

    This kit provides you with everything you will need in one package -- binoculars, field guide, and all the essential knowledge and accessories.   This kit was a three (3) week loan period.

    Patrons are responsible to returning all library materials in good condition.  If you lose or break a piece from a kit please inform library staff before you return it.  Staff will review the missing/damaged piece and charges may be applied for replacement cost of that specific piece (not the entire kit).

    These are themed bilingual backpacks that have been created to encourage families to spend time outdoors and learn more about the world around us.  Each kit contains various books, activities, resources in both English and French as well as equipment to help develop new skills and knowledge. 

  • Household Items

    An energy meter is a device that measures how much electrical energy is used over time. In simple terms, it tracks how much electricity something consumes.

    You can search the library catalogue and place a hold on the radon detector or you can contact your local branch and ask staff to place a hold on your behalf.

    A radon detector is a device that measures the level of radon gas in indoor air.

  • Health & Wellness

    A therapy lamp is a special lamp designed to mimic natural daylight. People use it for light therapy, a treatment that helps regulate the body’s internal clock and improve mood, sleep, and energy levels.

    The loan period for therapy lamps is three (3) weeks.

    The Zumba Gold exercise kit comes with three (3) music discs, an information book let and two (2) weights.  Everything you need to get your started on your healthy lifestyle journey!

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