Among our goals as institution is to promote lifelong learning and afford access to technologies. The Library of Things helps us further meet that goal by expanding the library’s collection beyond traditional books and movies, offering for checkout diverse items like board games and lawn games, music instruments, technology like mobile hotspots providing internet access, and more. Place items on hold through our catalog and pick them up at our Circulation Desk! Each item can be borrowed for 14 days. Any MVLC cardholder may reserve items, however items must be picked up in Topsfield. Please return Library of Things items to the library’s main desk during our hours of operation; please do not return Library of Things items in our book drop.
In addition to our circulating Library of Things collection, the Topsfield Town Library Seed Library allows anybody to “borrow” seeds from the library, save the resulting seeds from their harvest and bring them to the library for others to use. Our free Craft Supply Swap allows patrons to pick up yarn, fabric, corks, cardboard, and more for your next project. Finally, browse our free Puzzle Exchange and take home a jigsaw puzzle; feel free to return the puzzle when you’re done, or keep it forever!
Library of Things
Click on the below category to skip ahead or browse our collection below!
Instruments and Arts & Crafts
Check out our Craft Supply Swap! Visit the Topsfield Room on the second floor and find free crafting materials! There is yarn, fabric, corks, cardboard, and more available for your next project. Help yourself to the supplies and donations welcome!
| Library of Things item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Artist Easel | This folding easel has a shoulder strap for convenient transport. Can be used as a tripod floor easel or on a tabletop. Includes a storage area for your painting tools. |
 | Digital Keyboard | Contains stand and power cord. |
 | Dulcimer | |
 | Electric Guitar | Includes whammy bar, strap, carrying case and tuner. Pair with the Electric Guitar amplifier to rock out! |
 | Electric Guitar Amplifier | This is a Silvertone Smart II s electric guitar amplifier with mono connector cord included. Pair this with our Electric Guitar to start rocking out! |
 | Guitar (Learn to Play Bundle) | This kit includes a Fender Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar, strap, guitar picks, tuner, replacement strings and string winder, and an instructional DVD in a carrying case. |
 | LED Light Box | Use this lightbox for tracing/stenciling, calligraphy, and more! |
 | Sewing Machine | This is a Singer Talent 3323 Sewing Machine, which has 101 stitch applications, a fully automatic 1-step buttonhole, and variable needle positions. Includes foot pedal, power cord, bag of accessories, and partial instruction manual. Complete manual can be downloaded from the Library of Things website, or contact the library to obtain an emailed copy. |
 | Topsfield Library Puzzle | 300 piece wooden puzzle of the front entrance of the Topsfield Town Library in summer. |
 | Wooden Puzzle: Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum | Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, by Vincent Van Gogh. The wooden puzzles include dozens of hand-drawn “whimsy” pieces intricately cut into the shapes of characters, animals, and geometric designs. |
 | Wooden Puzzle: Winterlands | This wooden puzzle includes dozens of hand-drawn “whimsy” pieces intricately cut into the shapes of characters, animals, and geometric designs. |
 | Ukuleles | The four-stringed ukulele is said to be one of the easiest instruments to learn. Includes tuner. Options include a banjo ukulele, concert fluke ukulele, and soprano flee ukulele. |
STEM Toys and Learning
| Library of Things item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Activity Kit | Sensory activities stimulate the brain and enhance memory function designed for those with dementia. This kit includes: “Sharpen your senses” cards, chair activity bingo, a Goki color sorting board, and a of set conversation cards. Also includes a tip sheet on presenting activities. |
 | Botley the Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set | Botley 2.0 helps kids as young as 5 learn to code through 100% screen-free play. Botley 2.0 knows multiple ways to code right out of the box—code by color, make Botley move in six directions, and even put on a light show! Discover Botley 2.0’s 16 fun interactions—transform Botley into a train, police car, ghost, and more! You can even test your memory with the lights and sounds of a game of Botley Says! Your little coders can build coding sequences of up to 150 steps, and go on adventures with a built-in sensor that lights up Botley 2.0 in the dark! With the help of Botley’s 78-piece activity set, kids will be solving their first coding and STEM challenges in just minutes! |
 | Code-A-Pillar Toy | Code-a-pillar is a toy for 3-6 year olds that inspires little learners to be big thinkers by encouraging preschoolers to arrange (and rearrange) the easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations, sending Code-a-pillar on his path. This learning toy encourages experimentation while developing important skills like problem solving, planning and sequencing, and critical thinking. There’s no end to the combinations kids can make – mix up the segments and put them back together to send Code-a-pillar in a different direction every time! |
 | Code and Go Robot Mouse Toy | A screenless STEM/Coding Toy for ages 4+. Build your maze, and then use the coding cards to create a step-by-step path for the Programmable Robot Mouse. Program the sequence of steps, and then watch the mouse race to find the cheese! This deluxe set includes 30 double-sided coding cards, 10 double-sided Activity Cards, cheese wedge, and Activity Guide to provide the perfect hands-on introduction to coding concepts. Create endless maze path possibilities with 16 maze grids, 22 maze walls, and 3 tunnels. |
 | Digital Microscope | This digital microscope from Opqpq has a 7-inch screen, mounted on a metal base with adjustable, swiveling stand. Magnification power ranges up to 1200x. Comes with an SD card inserted, for saving images and videos, and can also be connected to a PC or Mac. Has a rechargeable battery with 4 hours of working time. |
 | Keva Planks | Keva Planks are precision-cut wooden blocks used for building anything your mind can imagine. Our kit comes with 400 planks, 10 plastic balls, and a guidebook of building ideas. Good for all ages, especially those interested in building or engineering. |
 | Telescope | This is the Orion StarBlast 4.5″ telescope, made available through the generosity of the Aldrich Astronomical Society. We are only able to lend our telescope to patrons aged 18 years or older, and we require a special lending agreement to be signed before you can check out our telescope. As with all our Library of Things materials, you can borrow this item from the library for 14 days (sorry, no renewals!) Upon checking out the telescope, we will give you a brief tutorial of how the telescope works, and supply you with a user’s guide and transport instructions. We encourage parental supervision for children using the telescope, and as a reminder, never, ever look into the sun! |
 | Sensory kit | Sensory therapy is an effective way to reduce anxiety and provide comfort designed for those with dementia. This kit includes: a box of 6 squishy and soft balls, a gel desk pad, an hourglass bubbler, a colorful mandala wooden puzzle, and a set of conversation cards. Also includes a tip sheet on presenting activities. |
 | TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator | This is a TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator, ideal for students in High School Math and Science courses. |
Games, Party Essentials, Sports, & Outdoors
Check out our seperate Board Games page for a complete listing of board games and card games available for checkout at the Topsfield Town Library.
| Library of Things item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Air Hockey Table | Yes, you can borrow an AIR HOCKEY TABLE from the library!!! |
 | Birding Kit | This birding kit includes binoculars, Birds of New England book, and Massachusetts Birds pocket guide, all in an easy carrying case. Check out the Identiflyer Lyric with the Birding Kit. With the BirdSong IdentiFlyer Lyric, you can learn the songs of well over 100 birds with simply the touch of a button. The sounds are so realistic, you can even call birds into your backyard by playing the bird songs! |
 | Bluetooth Speaker with Disco Lights | Want to take your party to the next level? This is a bluetooth speaker with disco lights! Includes USB port to plug in your phone, or connects via bluetooth. Includes a slot for an SD Memory Card (not included). Remote included to change settings. |
 | CD/Bluetooth/Cassette Boombox | The JENSEN CD-785 is a portable Bluetooth unit that doubles as a mini music system that’s perfect for your home or office. The unit features a top loading CD player, digital AM/FM stereo radio with station presets, a front loading cassette player/recorder and auxiliary input for connecting all your other media devices |
 | Cornhole (Bean Toss) | The classic lawn game, available for checkout at the Topsfield Town Library! Includes eight bean bags and a carrying case. |
 | Disc Golf Kit | Disc golf is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf. It is usually played on a course with 9 or 18 holes. Players complete a hole by throwing a disc from a tee pad or area toward a target, throwing again from where the previous throw landed, until the target is reached. Includes instructional book. Check out with Disc Golf Target/Hole. |
 | Disc Golf Target/Hole | Disc golf is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf. It is usually played on a course with 9 or 18 holes. Players complete a hole by throwing a disc from a tee pad or area toward a target, throwing again from where the previous throw landed, until the target is reached. This is a moveable target/hole. Check out with our Disc Golf Kit |
 | Folding Aluminum Table | This is an Aluminum Folding Table. It is extremely light and portable and built for camping and outdoors. Could be used for your next camping trip, birthday party, or more! |
 | Giant Checkers/Tic-Tac-Toe | Play Checkers or Tic-Tac-Toe in your backyard! Four foot by four foot checkerboard mat, with 24 foam checkers pieces. Reverse pieces and mat and play tic-tac-toe! Comes in easily portable carrying case. |
 | Giant Four-in-a-Row | This jumbo-sized Four-in-a-Row is 4 feet wide by 3.5 feet tall and collapses down into a bag for easy transport. Perfect for outdoors or inside. Recommended for ages 3+. |
 | Giant Wooden Toppling Tower | This extra-large game includes 54 wooden blocks, a dry erase rules board, and an instruction card. |
 | Giant Yahtzee | Play Yahtzee in your backyard! Comes with 6 3.5in wooden dice, laminated sheets to keep score, a marker, all in a wooden barrel. |
 | Golf Putting Green | Practice your putting during every season with this Golf Putting Green. Includes two golf balls and two adjustable putters. |
 | Golf Rangefinder | This item includes a rangefinder, battery, lens cloth, and operation manual. |
 | Identiflyer Lyric (Learn bird calls and attract birds to your yard) | With the BirdSong IdentiFlyer Lyric, you can learn the songs of well over 100 birds with simply the touch of a button! The sounds are so realistic, you can even call birds into your backyard by playing the bird songs! Pair with our Birding Kit. |
 | Indoor/Outdoor PA Speaker and Microphone | Bring powerful sound to any event with the Pyle PSBT65A Compact and Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker! This compact, portable, and powerful PA speaker is ideal for karaoke, public events, crowd control, and more. With Bluetooth wireless audio streaming, you can listen to your favorite music anytime! |
 | Inflatable Movie Projector Screen | his is an inflatable movie projector screen with a carrying bag included. The equivalent of watching a 168 inch television! Pair this with our digital projector and watch movies under the stars on warm summer nights! When fully inflated, screen is 8.4 feet high, and 10.7 feet wide. It should be staked in the ground, and it requires electricity. |
 | Kan Jam | Kan Jam is a flying disc game, played with a flying disc and two cans into which players deflect the disc. Teams of two players take turns tossing a disc between two plastic cans, scoring points if the disc hits or is deflected into one of the cans. |
 | Karaoke Machine | This KaraokeUSA brand karaoke machine is compatible with most smartphones and tablets, but we’ve also included a selection of six karaoke CDs for you to use, including pop, Disney songs, and hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Machine has a 7″ digital color screen and LED lights that flash to the beat of the music. 2 microphones are included. |
 | Lawn Dominos | |
 | Metal Detector | |
 | Pickleball Net | Playing at the Pickleball courts by the Proctor School? Borrow this portable pickleball net from the library. Pair with our pickleball paddles and balls. |
 | Pickleball Paddles and balls | Playing at the Pickleball courts by the Proctor School? Borrow these pickleball paddles and balls from the library. Pair with our pickleball net. |
 | Pop-Up Soccer Goals | Two four-foot wide pop-up soccer nets, with included stakes and carrying bag; turn your backyard into a soccer pitch! |
Technology
| Library of Things item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Bluetooth Speaker | This Bluetooth speaker is both waterproof and portable and lasts up to 10 hours once fully charged. It has a carabiner top for hanging and comes with a USB cable to charge. |
 | Blu-Ray/DVD Player | This Blu-Ray/DVD player allows you to watch blu-rays and DVDs by connecting to your TV via HDMI cord. You can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi to access Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services (access to these services NOT included). |
 | Cassette Converter | This Cassette Converter both plays audio cassettes (headphone required) and, via Audacity, and convert your cassette tapes to digital files. Save your old mix tapes forever! |
 | Creative Pen/Digital Tablet | This easy-to-use digital pen and tablet are compatible with PC and Mac OS, with plug-in and play for Chromebooks. Easily sketch abstract shapes, annotate assignments and PDFs, write formulas and equations, and express ideas in ways you can’t with a keyboard. |
 | Digital Projector | Professional-grade projector, so you can present like a pro with widescreen HD, WXGA resolution and advanced connectivity. Includes VGA and USB cables to connect to your computer. Pair with our Inflatable Movie Projector screen to watch movies outside on warm summer nights. Our projector/laptop stand helps complete your setup. |
 | Elgato Video Capture (Convert VHS to Digital) | See our blog post highlighting using the Elgato Video Capture and VCR player to digitize your old family movies! This is an Elgato Video Capture, which allows you to convert analog video (like VHS home movies) to a digital format by connecting to your computer. Plug in the Video capture to a VHS player (borrow one from our Library of Things!) or camcorder on one end, and your computer on another. |
 | Epson Fastfoto FF-680W. Quickly digitize your family photos. | See our blog post about tips & tricks on using the FastFoto scanner! Preserve what’s priceless with the Epson FastFoto FF-680W — the World’s Fastest Personal Photo Scanner. Scan thousands of photos — as fast as 1 photo per second. Easily restore, save, organize and share photos, postcards, panoramas, documents and more. |
 | External CD/DVD Drive | This External CD/DVD Drive connects to your computer or laptop via USB. It allows you to enjoy crystal clear color, picture and sound clarity of CDs and DVDs. This drive can read/write CDs, and read DVDs effectively providing users with full optical read capability in a single device. |
 | GoPro Hero 9 Kt | View a sample of our footage from the GoPro! This is a GoPro Hero 9, a powerful, sturdy, and waterproof action camera and video recorder that will help you capture your adventures biking, hiking, scuba diving, and more! Included with this GoPro Hero 9 is a battery and 16GB microSD card, USB cable, quick start card and safety booklet, within a protective case. We’ve also included a chest harness and head strap in our GoPro kit. The GoPro screws into both, allowing you to wear it securely on your head or on your chest while recording footage. The GoPro Hero 9 features a rechargeable battery; connect the included USB cord to a power source to allow for the unit to charge. We recommend ensuring the GoPro is charged before you take it to record. We ask that you do not remove the microSD card from the GoPro Hero 9 kit. You can transfer footage from the GoPro Hero 9 to your computer via the included USB cord. We also ask that you delete your footage from the camera after transferring it over to your computer for our next patron. Included in kit: • GoPro Hero 9 (with rechargeable battery, 16GB microSD card) • USB cord • Portable, Protective case • Chest harness (with connection to screw GoPro in) • Head Strap (with connection to screw GoPro in) • Quick Start Guide and Safety Booklet |
 | Language Translator Device | Perfect for traveling! Used offline, this Language Translator Device can translate conversations in Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, German, Thai, and English. With a hotspot, this device can translate over 100 additional languages. The Photo Translation feature will translate road signs and menus. |
 | Mobile Hotspot | The T9 is an LTE Mobile Hotspot that simultaneously supports 15 device connections through built-in Wi-Fi AP. With advanced LTE technology and multi-band support, T9 provides seamless wireless data connection whenever needed, wherever it goes. Includes a SIM card, battery, 1 wall plug for charging, and a padded carrying case. |
 | Podcasting Kit | This is a Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast recorder. It allows for up to four microphone and headphone connections. Included in this kit are two Samson R21S dynamic microphones and microphone stands, two Samson SR350 over-ear stereo headphones, a 64GB memory card, and the Quick Guide for the PodTrak P4. The PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder can connect for a smartphone to allow someone to participate in a podcast recording remotely via phone (auxiliary jack or adapter required, and not included in this kit). Connect the Zoom PodTrak P4 Recorder to your computer using the included USB-C cord. Using free software Audacity (not included in this kit) or GarageBand (usually included for free on Mac computers, not included in this kit) you can edit your podcast to make it ready for your audience! Other, more advanced, software is available for purchase (e.g. Adobe Audition) but we recommend starting with a free software, and then upgrading if necessary as your podcasting career takes off! There are several options to host your podcast online for free, including Buzzsprout (www.buzzsprout.com) Podbean (www.podbean.com) and Spreaker (www.spreaker.com). Also, podcasts could be loaded onto YouTube and made widely available, but they will need to be converted into video before being posted. Any option has different pros and cons (e.g. storage and bandwidth limits, partnerships with app stores, limits on episode size). We recommend starting with a free plan; as your podcasting knowledge grows, then consider making the jump to a paid plan. For your privacy, we ask you to delete your recordings after transferring them to your computer. You will be able to do this while the PodTrak P4 is connected to your computer. We ask that you do not remove the memory card from the PodTrak P4 recorder while you have it checked out. |
 | Portable CD Player | |
 | Portable DVD Player | Are you going on a long road trip soon and need to occupy your kids (or yourself?) on the road? Look no further! Here is a Portable DVD Player with rechargeable battery and remote control. Check out our DVD section and stock up! |
 | Projector & Laptop Stand | Pair with our Projector & Inflatable Movie Projector Screen for your movie night! |
 | Portable Projector Screen | A lightweight, portable projection screen (23″x32″) to pair with our projector. Total height is 5 feet. |
 | Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | |
 | Trail Camera | This Trail Camera includes a SD card. Use this battery powered camera to record wildlife in your backyard! Camera will begin recording once it records motion. Please provide your own batteries for this device. |
 | VCR Player | Use with our Elagto Video Capture to digitize your home movies! See our blog post highlighting using the Elgato Video Capture and VCR player to digitize your old family movies! |
 | Virtual Reality Headset | This is the Merge 360 Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Headset. It works with an iPhone 6 or newer, Galaxy S5 and newer, HTC M8 and newer, and LG G4 and newer. This headset is made out of foam, so it is easy to clean and will withstand drops and other everyday mishaps. You can download AR and VR games from the Google Play store or Apple App store (not included with this kit), queue up the video, scan the barcode on the back of the head strap when prompted, and play! There are apps that range from educational (e.g. exploring space) to the fun (riding rollercoasters!) The attached Quick Start Guide explains how to sharpen the focus and use the inputs. |
Tools & Home Improvement
| Library of Things item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 /> | Bicycle Tool Kit | This is a basic bike tool kit, including a Chain Tool, Folding Tool , Spoke Wrench, Freewheel Chain Whip. Cassette Lock Ring Tool, and 15mm Pedal Wrench. |
 | Blood Pressure Monitor | Taking your blood pressure has never been easier with iHealth Track! With the press of one button, you can view your result directly on the display; will also connect via Bluetooth to smartphone. |
 > | Car Diagnostic Scanner | This OBDII Car Diagnostic Scanner plugs into your car (almost all cars made after 2000) and helps you identify the cause of that pesky check engine light. Simply start the car and plug in. |
 | Coin Sorter/Counter | Coin sorter rapidly counts and sorts up to 156 coins per minute, and can assist you in wrapping coins (wrappers not included) |
 | Collapsible Hand Truck (Dolly) | Moving? Redecorating? This Collapsible Hand Truck/Dolly is available for checkout from the Topsfield Library. Your back will thank you later. |
 | Cordless Hand Drill | Includes drill, battery, charger, and four boxes of drill bits for your DIY projects. |
 | Drinking Water Tester | |
 | HappyLight Therapy Lamp | The HappyLight Therapy Lamp features adjustable color, temperature and a countdown timer that allow you to personalize your experience. Recommended usage is 20 minutes to 1 hour each day. |
 | Kill-a-Watt Meter | The Kill-a-Watt meter is an electricity usage monitor. Connect any appliance to the meter, and it will display energy use in killowatt-hours. Find out how efficient your appliances are, and use the included guidebook to learn how to save electricity. |
 | Label Maker | 6 AAA batteries required for use. |
 | Laminator | This Scotch Rolling Laminator (Model TL901X) laminates items up to nine inches wide and will laminate items up to 5mm thick. For best results, use with Scotch Brand Thermal Laminating Pouches. Five pouches provided upon check-out. |
 | Paper Shredder | This Paper Shredder shreds up to 150 sheets (auto feed, loaded into 8.5-by-11-inch paper tray) and up to 10 sheets (fed manually) of 20-pound bond paper at a time (no need to remove staples or small paper clips); also destroys credit cards. Micro-cut shredder turns paper into tiny confetti-like pieces measuring 5/32 by 15/32 inches (4 by 12 mm); meets high security level P-4 standards. |
 | Portable Digital Video Magnifier | This digital video magnifier helps those with visual impairments read. |
 | Pressure Washer (Electric) | This Electric Power Washer has four adjustable nozzles and soap bottle included (bring your own soap)! Use this power washer to clean your patio, deck, vinyl siding, or more. Do not use without reading directions first. Use carefully and safely. |
 | Seed Spreader | This is an ergonomic hand spreader for use with seed, fertilizer, ice melt, and any granular material. Designed for smaller hands with an integrated scoop design, the spreader can scoop material out of bags or cans so you don’t need to touch the material you are spreading. With 1.8 liter capacity, it makes quick work of spot spreading, or applying ice melt to sidewalks. |
 | Soil Meter | This three-way meter helps you determine if your plants are getting getting adequate water and light, and also measures the pH level in the soil. |
 | Sound Level Meter | |
 | Sound Machine | |
 | Stud Finder | This digital wall scanner includes four different scanning modes for wood, beams, joists, metals, AC wires and deeply embedded objects behind floors, ceilings, or walls. Stud mode detects wooden beams and joists in drywall up to 1.2 inches. Metal mode detects pipe , rebar, aluminum and copper up to 1.57 inches. Deep mode detects wood and metal parts located up to 1.77 inches |
 | Talking Calculator | This is a Desktop Talking Calculator. Ideal for those with vision impairments, it has a giant digital display, and speaks in a clear voice. |
 | Talking Kitchen Timer | This is a talking kitchen timer with a large digital display. Ideal for those with vision impairments, this low vision talking timer is easy to use and practical. Voice guidance helps you set it, and a combination beep/announcement gives you an audible indication when the set time has expired! |
 | Thermal Camera | Use this thermal camera to identify leaks, air leaks, or poor insulation in your walls at home. |
 | World Travel Adapter Kit | Travel adapter comes with the following plugs: Type A: North America, South America, Japan, Caribbean Type B: North America, Canada Type C: Most of Europe Type E/F: Germany, France, South Korea Type G: UK/Ireland, Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore Type I: Australia, New Zealand, China Equipped with 2 USA outlets, 2 USB (3. 6A) with Quick Charge 3. 0 & Micro USB cable. Compatible with only Dual Voltage products, and will not work with 110V items such as hair clippers, CPAP machine, hair dryers, etc. Does not include adapter plug for South Africa. |
Miscellaneous
| Library of Things item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Cash Box | Use this cash box and key for your yard sales or fundraisers. Cash not included 😉 |
 | Ghost Hunting Kit | This ghost hunting kit includes: 1 Spirit box (Requires 3 AAA batteries) 1 EMF tester with charger 1 Digital voice recorder with charger 1 Ghost-Hunting for Dummies book Instruction manuals for each device |
