Non-Traditional Items Available
Adapted Toy Backpacks
All branches
21 days, one renewal
These backpacks contain a book or audiobook and an interactive toy with an external switch making it easier for children with limited fine motor skills to use independently. These include themes such as unicorns, dinosaurs, music, favorite characters and more.
Adult bikes and helmets
Main, South Lorain and North Ridgeville
One day for bikes and seven days for helmets, no renewals
Explore the neighborhood and surrounding areas! Check out one of our adult bikes and helmets, as well as children’s helmets, with your library card. They must be returned by closing time each day. Replacement costs for bikes are $100 and $25 for helmets.
Bike locks
All branches
Seven days, no renewals
Replacement cost is $12.
Binge boxes
All branches
21 days, five renewals
Want to have a Tom Hanks marathon? Enjoy these sets of four to six films with a common actor or theme for a day of binge-watching movies rated PG and up.
Birdwatching Binoculars
Domonkas and North Ridgeville
Seven days, no holds or renewals
Lightweight, waterproof high-definition binoculars with a field guide to birds of Ohio.
Blood pressure kits
All branches
14 days, no renewals
Monitor your blood pressure at home with one of these special kits that include a monitoring unit, cuff, quick guide user card, AC adaptor, blood pressure wallet card for tracking your blood pressure and a survey.
Disc Golf Set
Available at North Ridgeville Only
Seven days
Includes 1pc heavy-duty nylon carry bag, 2pcs Drivers, 2pcs Mid-Ranges, 2pcs Putters, 1pc Mini Disc Marker and beginner guide.
Early childhood learning backpacks
All branches
21 days
These backpacks encourage literacy with various books, games, puzzles and cards while focusing on themes such as emotions, sound, community and the solar system.
Fishing Poles
Available at Avon and North Ridgeville only
One day
Various-sized fishing poles for different ages including 3' poles, 4'6" poles and 6'6" poles. In addition, families can also check out life jackets (North Ridgeville only) and tackle boxes that include hooks, lures, swivels, pliers and clippers. Adults ages 18 and older can check out a family set of fishing poles for the day.
Hotspots
Main, Domonkas and South Lorain
21 days, no holds or renewals
Take the internet home with our mobile hot spots, providing WI-FI internet to up to 10 users. There is a limit of one checkout per account and household. They include a case and a charger cord. If overdue, service to the hot spot will be shut off.
Launchpads
All branches
Seven days, no holds or renewals
These are preloaded, safe educational tablets with content and games for users of all ages that do not need to be connected to Wi-FI. Topics include literacy, math, science, art and social skills.
Memory care backpacks
All branches
21 days, one renewal
These backpacks contain DVDs and photo/activity cards created for the enjoyment of those with dementia, their caregivers and family to provide comfort and inspire connections and conversation. It also includes an information sheet from the Alzheimer’s Association of Lorain County. They are themed and each branch has two different collections:
- Dog and Homemaker (Main)
- Handyman, Homemaker, Farm, Winter, Dog and Cat (Avon)
- Patriotic and Summer (Columbia)
- Spring and Handyman (Domonkas)
- Cat, Autumn, Farm and Great Outdoors (North Ridgeville)
- Autumn and Winter (South Lorain)
Nightsky binoculars
All branches
Seven days, no renewals
All branches Seven days, no holds or renewals These large aperture binoculars are ideal for astronomical viewing or terrestrial use, especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high-quality BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. They include SkyMaster Giant 15x70 binoculars, instruction sheet, tripod adapter, red light mini LED flashlight and night sky star finder.
Playaways
All branches
21 days, five renewals
Enjoy Playaways, an easy-to-use, portable, pre-loaded audiobook. All you need is headphones or an auxiliary cord (also available for checkout) and press play.
Readalongs
All branches
21 days, five renewals
Available in Wonderbook and VOX Books brands, these print books include an audiobook inside that allows patrons to follow along as they read. Available in picture book, early readers, chapter books and nonfiction formats, these books also include comprehension questions at the end.
Science & Wellness Kits
Limited availability. Call your local branch for details
For more hands-on S.T.E.A.M.-based learning opportunities for families, LPLS offers circulating science and wellness kits that can be enjoyed from home. Thanks to a grant from the Stocker Foundation, we have kits for different age groups:
- Ages 3 and up: Nutrition, Health, Veterinary Science and Physical Education
- Ages 5 and up: Geography, Math, Physics and Engineering
- Ages 8 and up: Life Science, Math, Space and Chemistry
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Backpacks
Avon and Domonkas
21 days
Social Emotional Learning kits include four or five picture books and a related game or activity to empower parents to help their child understand and manage emotions such as fear, anxiety, grief, anger, mindfulness and empathy.
Volleyballs
Columbia
One day
Play in the Columbia Township Park’s sand volleyball courts with volleyballs available to check out at the branch.