Cooper-Siegel launches 'Library of Things'

Patrons of Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel will have lots of new things to check out.

The library is launching a non-traditional lending program called Library of Things at its site, 403 Fox Chapel Road, along with its Sharpsburg branch, 1212 Main St.

The new collection will include household items, music instruments and travel accessories, along with wifi hotspots for people to borrow.

“Often, these items are not practical or too expensive to own for limited use,” Executive Director Jill McConnell said. “Patrons can borrow these items when they need them without spending a dime.”

The initiative is made possible through a $15,000 grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation. The money came through the Jean Sayre Lauer Fund.

“A few years ago, we asked our patrons to vote on different types of programs and services they would like to see at the library,” McConnell said.

The result pointed to a desire for programs outside traditional library services, the Library of Things among them.

Library staff is seeking donations for the program, which might include small percussion instruments, American Girl dolls and accessories.

The grant will also be used to create a do-it-yourself digitization lab at Cooper-Siegel where people can convert their pictures, slides, video and audio cassettes into digital formats.

For more, visit coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.

Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 412-782-2121, ext. 2, tpanizzi@tribweb.com or via Twitter @tawnyatrib.