Library of Things

Finding a kit

• Use the lists to the right to browse titles. Click on the title for more information and to see if the kit is currently available.
• You can also search the catalog for “book club kit” in general.  
  • You can search for a specific title to see if it is available as a book club kit.
  • Please Ask Us if you have any questions.

  Using a kit

  • A kit is checked out to one patron who is responsible for all of the materials.
  • The fees for missing books will be charged to the patron who checked out the kit.
  • Kits are checked out for six weeks and may only be renewed once.

  Getting a kit

  • Kits can be found in the Library of Things area or can be requested through in our catalog for Chatham Area residents. 

  Returning a kit

  • Please ensure that all copies of the book are in the kit before returning it.
  • Kits must be returned to the Chatham Area Public Library service desk during open hours and cannot be returned in a book drop.

* Educated by Tara Westover -- Traces the author's experiences as a child born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, describing her participation in her family's paranoid stockpiling activities and her resolve to educate herself well enough to earn an acceptance into a prestigious university and the unfamiliar world beyond.

(https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=377.1033.0.0....)

* Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (graphic novel) -- The great-granddaughter of Iran's last emperor and the daughter of ardent Marxists describes growing up in Tehran in a country plagued by political upheaval and vast contraditions between public and private life. (https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=377.1033.0.0....)

* Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides -- Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to get an artist who shot her husband and then never spoke another word to talk, which takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations--a search for the truth that threatens to consume him. (https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=377.1033.0.0.... )

* Dune by Brian Herbert -- Follows the adventures of Paul Atreides, the son of a betrayed duke given up for dead on a treacherous desert planet and adopted by its fierce, nomadic people, who help him unravel his most unexpected destiny. (https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=377.1033.0.0....)

Kits are checked out for six (6) weeks and may only be renewed once.

Puzzles and Games

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

FUNDED BY GRANT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD - CHATHAM

Tactile Discs

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

FUNDED BY GRANT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD - CHATHAM

Visual and Tactile Learning

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

FUNDED BY GRANT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD - CHATHAM

Kits are checked out for six (6) weeks and may only be renewed once.

The goal of these kits is to improve the health and emotional literacy of caregivers along with helping them with activities that they can do together. 

Companion Cat

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Companion Dog

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Fidget Muff

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Memory Activities

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Reminiscing Activities

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Kits are checked out for six (6) weeks and may only be renewed once.

Foster Care and Adoption

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Kits are checked out for six (6) weeks and may only be renewed once.

Knitting

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Watercolor

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

Yoga

INCLUDED IN THE KIT

NEW!! Singer Sewing Machine

The Singer Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine allows you to sew a wide variety of fabrics and projects. The heavy-duty metal interior frame, high sewing speed, and powerful motor make this machine sturdy and powerful. Eleven (11) built in stiches, adjustable needle position, and adjustable presser foot control allow for sewing very lightweight fabric to heavy weight fabrics.Note: Patron must be 18 or older and a Chatham Area Public Library District cardholder. Patron must sign the Borrowing Agreement to check out this item.Caution: Use of the sewing machine may involve risk of serious injury. Please read the instruction manual before using.Sewing Machine includes:

• Carrying case
• Sewing machine
• Foot pedal
• Instruction manual
• Box with small objects

What is the Cricut?

The Cricut is an electronic cutting and drawing machine. Designs created on your computer can be cut or drawn into material such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, and more.

What does the Library provide?

Only available in the Library.  Appointments required to use Cricut.

• Cricut Explorer Air 2
• Cut mats sized 12″x12″ 
  • Light Grip
  • Standard Grip
  • Strong Grip
• Fine Point Blade
• Weeding Tools

What do I need to bring?

• A design prepared in Cricut Design Space
  • Cricut Design Space is a free program for your Windows, Apple, and Android devices
  • Cricut will upload a variety of file types: JPEG, PNG, SVG, DXF, EPS
• All materials to create your project (see below)
• Transfer tape for applicable projects (see Tips and Additional Info below)
• Additional cardstock or butcher paper for heat press projects (see Tips and Additional Info below)
• Anywhere from 30 minutes for a small design to several hours for a larger/more detailed design.
• The Library currently does not sell or provide materials, including pens and copy paper, to use with the Cricut.

Kits are checked out for two (2) weeks and may NOT be renewed.

Hiking Kit

KIT INCLUDES

• Easy day hikes, Springfield, Illinois / Johnny Molloy
• Binoculars 
• Magnifying glass 
• Map compass
• Illinois nature set includes 3 laminated folding pocket guides to help identify Illinois trees, wildflowers, birds, and wildlife

Stargazing Kit

 KIT INCLUDES

• Stellarscope 
  • The stellarscope allows the location and identification of stars between 20° and 60° North or South latitude, every day of the year from every region of the world. Planets are not included on the starmap.
• The night sky planisphere 
• Red-filtered flashlight 

Treasure Hunt Kit

 KIT INCLUDES

• Metal detecting for beginners : 101 things I wish I'd known when I started / by M. A. Shafer
• Metal detector
• Information guide provides step-by-step instruction.
• Sand scoop and trowel

Through our Film Discussion Kits, the Library hopes to support the community in exploring and discussing various social justice topics through documentary film viewings. Documentaries can bring issues and ideas nearer to their viewers, and discussions provide the opportunity to engage and connect with others around important issues.

Each Kit contains a DVD and discussion guide with questions, watch-alikes, and space for note taking.

Finding a kit

• Use the lists to the right to browse titles. Click on the title for more information and to see if the kit is currently available.
• You can also search the catalog for “film discussion kit” in general.  
  • You can search for a specific title to see if it is available as a film discussion kit.
  • Please Ask Us if you have any questions.

Using a kit

• A kit is checked out to one patron who is responsible for all of the materials.
• The fees for missing parts will be charged to the patron who checked out the kit.
• Kits are checked out for six weeks and may only be renewed once.

Getting a kit

• Kits can be found in the Library of Things area or can be requested through our catalog for Chatham Area residents.  

Returning a kit

• Please ensure that all parts are in the kit before returning it.
• Kits must be returned to the Chatham Area Public Library service desk during open hours and cannot be returned in a book drop.

To find more information, please check out our Race and Social Equity Resources page for local organizations, book lists and more.  

Kits are checked out for two (2) weeks and may NOT be renewed.

Essential Oil Diffuser

KIT INCLUDES

• Diffuser
• The Plant Therapy Essentials Gift Set
  • six 10 mL (1/3 oz) bottles of essential oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, and cinnamon) intended for use with the diffuser.

*Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before beginning use of any essential oils. *

FUNDED BY GRANT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD - CHATHAM

Fit Fusion Disc

KIT INCLUDES

• a 7lb Fit Fusion Disc
• Two workout guides
• Workout DVD

Light Therapy Lamp

Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter. During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions."--From Mayoclinic.org.

FUNDED BY GRANT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD - CHATHAM

White Noise Sound Machine

Let bedtime be the best time for baby and your family. This sleep sound machine has 24 soothing sounds to choose from, including 7 white noise, 7 fan sounds, and 10 nature sounds (Bird, Sea Wave, Brook, Lullaby, Music Box, Cricket, Campfire, Rain, Fetal Tone, and Train sound for soothing your baby).

FUNDED BY GRANT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD - CHATHAM

Zumba Gold: Live It Up 

Zumba Gold targets the largest growing segment of the population: baby boomers. It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. 

Borrowing a Wifi Hotspot

Welcome to our Hotspot lending service. To adhere with the Library’s mission to make information accessible to everyone, the Chatham Area Public Library (CAPL) has mobile wi-fi hotspots available for loan. You may borrow the device to access the Internet for free at your home, in your car, or anywhere else!

1. You must have an email address on file. If you do not have an email address listed on your library record, please call the library at 217-483-2713 and ask the librarian to add your email address to your account.
2. Read through the CAPL Hotspot Agreement and the information below.
3. To see if there is an available Hotspot from CAPL, go to the library catalog and use “Mobile Hotspot” as a keyword search to locate it in the catalog, limiting the results to “My Library.” Chatham Hotspots are available for pickup at the Chatham Area Public Library only, cannot be held, and cannot be sent out on loan to other libraries.

When you come to the Library to check out the device, you will be asked to complete the CAPL Hotspot Agreement, acknowledging financial responsibility for lost or damaged equipment.

FAQs

Who can borrow a library hotspot?

To borrow a hotspot, patrons must:

• be any Chatham resident public library card holder 18 years and older
• be in good standing (i.e. library account is not blocked due to unpaid fees or lost materials)
• provide a current photo ID to validate against patron record

The library reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses equipment or is repeatedly late in returning hotspots

How do I use the hotspot?
Follow the instructions inside the cover of the box.

Where do I return the hotspot when I am done?
The hotspot cannot be placed in the bookdrops and must be returned to the checkout desk and handed to a staff member. A designated staff person will do a visual check to ensure that the device and accessories are returned in good condition.

How long can I keep the hotspot?
You can keep it for 14 days.

Can I renew my hotspot?
No. You are not allowed to renew at this time.

Playaway Launchpads, early educational devices, are preloaded with apps, games and books for children ages 3–10+. Launchpads are ad-free, do not require a Wi-Fi connection, and are 100% safe to use. 

Launchpads are a great tool to work with your little one's early literacy skills! Explore topics like Math, Language Arts, Critical Thinking, and Creativity in engaging and fun ways. To get the most out of this tool, remember to interact with your child while they use the tablet by asking questions and talking to them about the games they are playing.  Check out all the Launchpad early learning tablets available from the Library by browsing our catalog. 

To start your learning adventure, request a tablet for hold through our catalog using your library card, available for pickup in the Children's area near the DVDs! 

Ages 3-5

• All about it! Critical Thinking
• Numbers & letters with Sesame Street

Ages 5-7

• How'd they build that?
• Big Minds! STEAM
• Monster Word Mash!
• Make! Bake! Create!

Ages 8-10

• Smithsonian: all things animal!
• In the think tank!
• Smithsonian:dino planet

Ages 10+

• I see the science!