Library of Things

Manatee Libraries' card holders (excluding reciprocal borrowers) are welcome to borrow any of the unique items from our Library of Things. Visit the library catalog to place on reserve!

Binoculars. Perfect for stargazing, comet tracking, or bird watching, the library's collection of binoculars may be borrowed for one week. Each Astroscan Helion comes with an astronomical chart map and instructions. For more information, see our Telescope and Binocular Safety Tips (acuerdo en Espanol)

Cake Pans. A variety of cake pans are available throughout the library system and may be borrowed for three weeks. Please return in clean condition.

Fishing Poles. The library offers a collection of Zebco Champion rod/reel combos, which may be borrowed for two weeks. This collection is provided by Fish Florida as part of their effort to encourage responsible fishing and promote education about Florida's coastal habitats. A recreational fishing license is required for residents and nonresidents to take or attempt to take fish. For more information about purchasing your license online, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850) 488-3641.

Hotspots. WiFi hotspots can be checked out for three weeks. Use the internet anywhere there is cell service. All other data rates may apply.

Musical Instruments. Bongos and drums, keyboards, accordions, concertinas, Jam Stick, kids' percussion, and more!

Tools. Power drills, pressure washer, air compressor, metal detector, fan blower, wet/dry vac, sander, bike repair tool kit, laser level, power meters, and more! Tools may be reserved, and must be picked up at the Rocky Bluff Library.

Museum Passes.
Courtesy of The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, resident cardholders may check out museum passes, good for one visit for up to four visitors at one time. The museum is the largest Natural & Cultural History Museum on Florida's Gulf Coast and includes the All-Digital Bishop Planetarium & the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Restrictions apply.

Courtesy of Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, resident cardholders may check out Big Cat sanctuary passes, good for one visit for up to two visitors at one time. Big Cat Habitat is a large-animal rescue in eastern Sarasota County; the nonprofit sanctuary is a permanent home for dozens of exotic animals, offers placement for animals in need, and works to educate the public about animal care and conservation. Restrictions apply.

Courtesy of Mixon Fruit Farms, resident cardholders may check out Orange Blossom Tram Tour tickets, good for one visit for two visitors. Restrictions apply.

Courtesy of Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, resident cardholders may check out train ride passes for children ages 3-11 for one visit. Restrictions apply. NOTE: Temporarily unavailable Summer 2022.

STEM and Early Literacy Kits. With a focus on reading, talking, singing, writing, and playing, each kit contains materials that can be used to develop these important learning skills endorsed by the American Library Association. The kits range in age from infancy through middle school, and may be borrowed for three weeks.

Telescopes. The library's collection of tabletop telescopes may be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Generously funded by the Manatee Library Foundation, each Astroscan Millennium comes in its own case with safety equipment and two books on astronomy. For more information, see our Telescope and Binocular Safety Tips (acuerdo en Espanol)

Ukulele. The MK-S Pack includes a Makala Classic Soprano ukulele, Kala Klipz clip-on tuner, canvas bag with strap, and instruction booklet. Sign up for free ukulele classes through our Events Calendar!

Please note, library cards must be in good standing. Reciprocal borrowers are not able to check out items from the Library of Things.