Indianapolis Public Library lets you borrow karaoke machines, crutches

If you’re anything like me, there’s something sitting in your house that you regret spending money on.

When I moved into my apartment, I had to buy a stud finder so I could hang up art on the walls. Just recently, my friend needed a karaoke machine for her sister’s bachelorette party.

These types of purchases can quickly add up. If you’re only going to use the item a couple times, it’s hard to feel like that purchase was worth the money.

Now, though, you may be able to borrow some of these items from the Indianapolis Public Library.

The Library of Things collection launched in September 2025. Patrons can check out household tools, crafting supplies and even toys. The effort is a pilot program operating at six branches: College Avenue, Decatur, East 38th Street, Fort Ben, Southport and West Perry.

“We all know how much things cost now,” said Joe Troyer, the library’s senior manager of technical services. “The whole mission of the library is to serve the needs of the community, and this is a useful and substantive financial way that we can do that.”

And so far, it’s been successful — since the program started, patrons have saved over $45,000 by borrowing instead of buying, according to data the library provided to Mirror Indy.

I visited the Library of Things collection at the College Avenue branch and explored some of the items you can check out.

Sewing machine

Since the pilot started last September, the sewing machines have been the most popular item across every branch, library staff said.

Checking out the machine could help you with some tricky stitches on a project.

But if you’ve been wanting to purchase a sewing machine, checking it out first is a way to try it out and make sure it’s worth the money.

“We are really giving people options on different items they can use at the branch in the library before they actually buy it,” said Michelline Brandon, circulation specialist at the College Avenue branch.

Tonieboxes and Yoto Players

One of the newest additions to the Library of Things, these toys are a screen-free way for kids to enjoy music and stories.

When you check out a Toniebox, the library provides several figurines that attach to the box and play songs or stories. Yoto Players come with card inserts that do the same. Some of the options I saw included “Finding Nemo,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “Coco.”

Bike repair kit

This set comes with everything you need to tune up your bike and hit the trails, including a mini pump, a wrench and tire levers to help replace a flat.

Blood pressure monitor

OK, it’s maybe not the most exciting item, but it’s definitely important.

Ukelele

The instrument comes with an instruction booklet on how to play. Musically inclined patrons can also check out bongos, a portable keyboard and even an electric guitar.

Naturalization kit

Studying for your citizenship exam? This kit comes with everything you’ll need to ace the test, including flashcards and study materials in both English and Spanish.

How to borrow items

To borrow from the collection, you must have a library card, a valid email address and be at least 18 years old in good standing, meaning you don’t have any major fines. It’s important that the person who placed the hold for an item is the one to pick it up.

You’ll need to show a photo ID to check out some items, such as the drills or jumper cables.

Patrons can borrow things for up to 21 days, and you can check out two items at once. If you have an event coming up, you can also reserve items up to six months in advance.

Treat items with care — if you lose or damage them, you may be on the hook to pay to replace it.

You can browse the Library of Things collection online. If you’re interested in borrowing something, you can check availability, reserve it and pick it up at any of the six pilot locations.

And, give feedback

The Library of Things is a pilot program running through September 2026, and Troyer said the library will make a decision about whether to continue it and add more branches later this year.

If you like the program or want to see it improve, you can fill out this survey.

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Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire by email claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org, on most social media @clairerafford or on Signal 317-759-0249.