Finally tonight, we're used to checking out a trove of books when we head to the library.

But visit a local branch and you'll find you can take out so much more.

Libraries of things are the new trend where card holders can check out a range of goods from small appliances to a power washer.

A little something for everyone.

Ted Goldberg has the story.

We have a power washer.

Who would have thought you could borrow a power washer from a public library?

The Hoboken Public Library has books.

But you probably knew that there were other stuff might surprise you.

We have everything from an OG Sega Genesis video game to one of our very popular items, electric knife sharpener.

Their library of things has all sorts of inventory that might come in handy, like a stud finder or a cornhole set.

You live in a very small part in Hoboken.

You don't have the space.

Well, we'll store it for you.

If you're wondering why a wet, dry vacuum is here, too, Director Jennie Pu says libraries need to adapt to the people who go there.

And it might be easier to check something out and use it for two weeks than it would be to buy it and store it.

We're always finding new ways to serve the community.

This falls squarely in our mission, to serve the needs of the community.

And what I think is a creative, unusual and delightful way.

A library of things can also serve as a trial run for people who want to invest in older technologies.

They don't want to buy like a $70 record player.

So they're like, Let me just try it out and see if I actually want to listen to this on vinyl or not, or just want to keep it as a pretty decoration in my apartment.

People have old tapes.

They want to be able to play, and a lot of people don't have a VHS player anymore.

So why not borrow from the library?

And if you're more interested in non earth activities, a few libraries can hook you up with a telescope.

I have and will see Jupiter and the rings around Saturn, so I've been able to see the moon craters on the moon.

So you'd be surprised.

I think urban stargazing is becoming a thing.

The telescope is really popular because oftentimes folks want to test something out before they purchase it.

A couple of counties over in Morristown.

Assistant Director Mary Lynn Becza also helps people check out wi fi hotspots and snowshoes.

We like to surprise people here at the library and it's just a great conversation starter for us.

It's a great way to get people excited about visiting a library.

Their library of things covers all seasons.

Our most commonly borrowed item is our metal detector, which people like to take to the beach sometimes comes back with sand.

And they cater to anyone who likes to play with bubbles, play pickleball or pass out if their home is haunted.

For all of you ghost hunters out there, the EMF meter is really a fun thing to borrow.

We have a huge jigsaw puzzle lending collection and we are cataloging board games.

Cherry Hill's Library of Things includes a seed library for aspiring horticulturists and American Girl dolls.

It's always, always for me about making your public library relevant.

Director Laverne Mann says they have more than 20 musical instruments, allowing folks to find new passions for free.

Oh.

They and their grandson played them horribly, but did they have the best time together?

They sure did.

It's kind of thrilling just to see their faces light up and say, I haven't touched a mandolin in years.

I can't wait to check it out.

There's no cost to access these libraries of things.

You just have to ask your local library for a card and you can start stargazing, gardening or ghost hunting if that's your thing.

For NJ Spotlight News, I'm Ted Goldberg.