Library of Things
It’s not ALL about the books! Check out the non-traditional library items available below, including board games, experience passes, tools, technology, and so much more! Stop by the library to see what's available or call to reserve an item today.
Experience Passes
Don't just check out a book - check out an EXPERIENCE! Thanks to partnerships with local attractions and museums, we are now lending special experience passes for free admission to the following locations. Ask at the front desk for availability & details!
- Mattress Factory Museum
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Heinz History Center (plus Western PA Sports Museum, Fort Pitt Museum, and Meadowcroft Rock Shelter)
- Historic Fort Steuben
- Old Economy Village
- Altoona Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve
- David Bradford House & Whiskey Rebellion Center
- Fort Ligonier
American Girl Dolls
Each American Girl Doll comes with a doll, clothing, a bed, and other doll props. Also included is the first book in doll's chapter book series, a look at what Pittsburgh would have been like at the time of the doll's story, and a notebook to record your adventures with your American Girl! Provided through the Allegheny County Library Association.
Kindle eReaders
We've loaded some of the latest and hottest eBooks from YA and Adult onto our set of Kindles. Check the list of titles below, and then check out one of our devices. Skip the holds lists and get over 100 books (and counting) for one checkout! We also have six Kid's Kindles, loaded with child-friendly titles and ready for checkout - ask for details!
Storytime Kits
Need to do a storytime in a hurry, but can't think of a topic? Our Storytime Kits have all you need in one convenient place! Kits include books, music and audio CDs, DVDs, and interactive puppets all on a special theme. Best of all, each one includes a binder of reproducible activities and lesson plans to copy and use to extend the fun.
Sensory Kits
Going to the zoo? The museum? A ball game? Well, thanks to our friends at Autism Caring Center, we have added two Sensory Kits to our collection. Each comes with a weighted lap blanket, a weighted stuffed animal, noise reduction ear muffs, an emotion chart, and various fidget toys. These kits comes in a clear backpack so you can bring them into stadiums and are available for up to three weeks at a time (can you say road trip?). Check a Sensory Kit out today!
Caregiver Backpacks
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has provided Caregiver Backpacks to libraries for checkout by family members taking care of older adults or people with disabilities. Each backpack includes brochures, books, DVDs, and other educational materials informing on caregiver issues, providing easy-to-use tips, and connecting caregivers to community resources. Check one out today!
Board Games
Want to try out a game before buying it? Planning a game night with friends? Look no further than the library for hours of gaming fun! We have a wide variety, with more added every month. Look at our catalog of Board Games and request one today!
Cake Pans
We now have a variety of special cake pans for holidays and trying out your decorating skills! See what's available in our Cake Pan collection.
Outdoor Games & Kits
Want to go on a picnic? Check out a great local hiking trail? Or learn to play a new outdoor game like bocce or croquet? The library offers unique kits and outdoor games, which include all you need to try out a new outdoor activity without having to buy all the supplies.
Tech Takeout
"Tech Takeout" is a smorgasbord of gadgets, gizmos, and tools for you to take home (and bring back when you’re done, of course!). In addition to the items listed below that you can check out, we have an Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch to use at the library!
Tools of the Trade
Here are some great tools to get you cleaning, cooking, crafting, and more!
Kids' Stuff
For the kids...or the kid in all of us!