Library of Things pilot at BPL
Resident asks for a pilot Library of Things at the Boston Public Library, lending items like power tools and kitchen equipment that many residents cannot access.
English title and summary written with AI from the resident's text.
The resident's idea, as submitted
The idea
Start a pilot Library of Things collection for the Boston Public Library system, similar to the one hosted by the Minuteman Library Network. This could either be distributed throughout the library branches, or consolidated to one new location.
Who it helps and why
Many people in the city don't have access to power tools, specialty kitchen equipment, and so on. Providing free access through a Library of Things would lower those barriers.
Details
- Cycle
- 2024–25
- Submitted
- July 18, 2024
- Neighborhood
- City-wide
- Portal category
- Community
- How it was submitted
- Individual submission
- Submission language
- English
Themes grouped with AI from resident idea text.
The same need in other cycles
City-wide ideas in Libraries, digital & civic life from the other cycles, up to 3 from each.
2026–27 (57 matching)
- Boston Public Library bookmobileResident asks for a BPL bookmobile vehicle so staff can bring library services to more parts of the city and underresourced communities.2026–27City-wide
- Year-round neighborhood volunteer corpsCreate structure and support for a year-round local volunteer corps with multigenerational neighbor groups, holding regular gatherings so residents can get to know each other and help one another.2026–27City-wide
- Interactive learning installations in public spacesThe resident asks for more interactive, multigenerational learning spaces like Playful Learning Landscapes, such as puzzles or hopscotch at bus stops, so all residents can access enrichment.2026–27City-wide
2025–26 (46 matching)
- Free Wi-Fi stationsProvide free Wi-Fi stations to help people who cannot afford internet access.2025–26City-wideSubmitted in Spanish
- Little free libraries in Boston neighborhoodsPlace little libraries around neighborhoods to make books easier for everyone to access.2025–26City-wide
- Voter engagement pop-ups in Black and Brown communitiesResident proposes pop-up events across the city where elected and appointed officials meet residents face to face, to rebuild trust and raise voter turnout in Black and Brown communities.2025–26City-wide