Attention ghost busters.
Do you sometimes hear strange noises or make things in your home clatter at night? Have you seen someone walking around in the dark when no one is around?
A ghost counter may help with that.
Do you want to pan for gold or go camping for the first time? Have you always wanted to try your hand at mud throwing? Sewing may be your style. Do you love preparing family dinners and creating new recipes but not sure you want to take advantage of the latest gadgets? Do you need a special tool to fix something in your home?
Your local library may have something for that.
Libraries of things are popping up all over Massachusetts, and they’re filled with all kinds of items you can borrow.
All you need is a valid library card and the ability to pick up and return an item.
We’ve rounded up a few around the state, but your local library may also have “something” you can borrow.
Medfield Public Library
Title: 468 Main Street, Medfield
information: 508-359-4544; medfieldpubliclibrary.org/borrowing/unusual-items/
One of the most popular items in the Medfield Public Library’s library of things is the ghost scale, said Moira Mills, head of the distribution department, especially with kids who may have moved into a new home and want to hunt down ghosts.
And as far as Mills knows, no one has found a ghost yet.
“It’s very unusual for a library to have things like that, but we have everything from telescopes to cleaning presses,” she said.
But perhaps the most unusual item in the library of things is a 16-foot inflatable screen for outdoor movie watching, she said. And yes, there is a monitor to go with it.
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Instant pots and air fryers see a steady stream of borrowers, and the library also has a pottery wheel, gold digger kit, camping gear — including a four-person tent, umbrella, and hammock — and plenty of outdoor toys, Mills said.
Hamilton Wenham Public Library
Title: 14 Union Street, South Hamilton
information: 978-468-5577; hwlibrary.org/
Eating some creamy butter with a hand-operated buttercream is perhaps the most unusual thing in the library of things at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, said Kim Butler, library director.
Board games are probably the most popular items, although older items are also in demand, including CD players and cassette tape recorders.
“Sometimes someone needs an old technique,” she said.
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The set also includes a drum pad, virtual reality goggles, and Ozobot, a robot that plays with users on paper, game boards, and tablets.
“We have an interesting variety of games from board games to binoculars to our hotspots to garden games. We have an interesting array of things,” Butler said.
Wellesley Free Library
Title: 530 Washington Street, Wellesley
information: 781-235-1610; wellesleyfreelibrary.org/
Planning a trip to Europe? You might want to stop at the Wellesley Free Library to pick up a port adapter first, said Director Jamie Jorgensen. The adapter, blind eyeglasses, and torso kit topped the list of unusual items in Wellesley’s library of things, she said.
There are a lot of other things that patrons can see.
She said that the wireless hotspot is one of the most popular items. The library of things also boasts a karaoke machine, an induction stove, a “Save Your Memories Kit” and a bird-watching binoculars. There are games, puzzles, gadgets, electronics, robots, and musical instruments, including the accordion. The only thing missing was the camping tent.
We’d probably have something for everyone of all different interests,” said Kara Rothman, assistant director.
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They always add new things to the library of things and try to respond to requests from patrons.
“The library of things can help people save money. It is sustainable and can help build society,” Jorgensen said.
Robbins Library
Title: 700 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington
information: 781-316-3200; robbinslibrary.org
Anna Litten, assistant director, said the library of things at Robbins Memorial Library, launched in 2016 in partnership with Susting Arlington, was one of the area’s first area libraries.
Here, borrowers can find a sun tent on the beach, an infrared camera to check for heat loss in the home, binoculars for bird watching, a fidget blanket, and an interactive orange cat, perfect for older patrons who might not want a real cat.
The wide range includes kitchen gadgets, wellness, home improvement, outdoor and craft items, musical instruments, puzzles, games and more. New things are always being added to the list.
“Through our library of things collection, we want to support the needs and interests of the community,” Litten said.
The library has separate collections for children and adults.
“The advantages of the Library of Things are the same as many of the other parts of our library — you should try them before you buy,” Litten said.