Books. iPads. Heirloom tomato seeds. Fishing poles. Camping gear. Snowshoes. What do all of these things have in common? You can check them out from a library! Libraries across the United States are experimenting with lending a variety of non-traditional library materials. Since the beginning of this semester, our own Truax library has been checking out e-readers for use outside of the library.

Students are now able to borrow an iPad, Nook Color or Kindle Fire for a three-day period. The rules are simple – you must be a registered Madison College student, you may only have one device checked out at a time, and the equipment must be returned at the Truax circulation desk. Making it possible for students to take home an e-reader will allow them more hands-on time with the devices. Students can use our educational apps, access the web or just get the hang of reading an e-book.

In addition to technology tools, there are many other non-traditional items being loaned out by libraries these days. Here are just a few examples:

• Seed-sharing libraries are becoming more common. Here in Wisconsin, libraries in La Crosse, Wonewoc and La Farge have begun programs. Patrons can take the seeds home, plant them in their gardens, then harvest seeds from the plant and bring those back to the library at the end of the growing season. Seed libraries offer fledgling gardeners a chance to grow their own food at minimal cost.

• Many public libraries now lend tools, including lawnmowers, drills, saws and electrical tools. Patrons can use the tools when they need to, while saving money and storage space.

• Ann Arbor district library’s “Musical Tools” collection includes drums, synthesizers, and electronic bagpipes. The library also offers telescopes, microscopes and “Science-To-Go” kits.

• Many Illinois libraries offer free passes to Chicago area museums and attractions, including the Brookfield Zoo and Legoland. Each pass may be checked out for seven days, and grants patrons free admission to the attraction of their choice.

You may ask yourself, what’s the point of libraries providing these unusual collections? As centers of the communities they serve, libraries aim to help people access what they need, be it information, the Internet, or seeds to start a garden and provide food for themselves.

If you’re interested in checking out one of our e-readers, stop by the Truax library located on the third floor of the Gateway and speak with one of our staff members today!