Library of Things

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

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 can I do?

The Cricut can be used to make signs, custom t-shirts, labels, greeting cards, and much more!

• Watch videos on the Cricut Official YouTube page
• Check out project inspiration on Cricut’s Projects page

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.

What materials can I use?

Material must fit within the size of the work area:

• Width: 12 inches maximum
• Length: 12 inches maximum

Common materials include:

• Copy paper (white, patterned, printed, etc.)
• Cardstock (adhesive, chalkboard, glitter, etc.)
• Vinyl (printable, adhesive, matte, glossy, stencil, etc.)
• Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl
• Cricut Pens and Markers (Must be Cricut brand to fit in machine)

Cricut has a many materials you can purchase for use. Except for Cricut pens and markers products, you can purchase off-brand materials from most craft retailers.

Where can I buy materials?

Designs

• You can buy designs and fonts online from the Cricut Design Space library or other online sources like Etsy or DesignBundles
• Cricut Design Space also offers free designs and fonts for use
• Cricut will upload designs from a variety of file types: JPEG, PNG, SVG, DXF, EPS
• Cricut will read fonts installed on your device from OTF or TTF files

Materials

• You can find materials at Cricut, Michaels, Jo-Ann, Amazon, Paper Source, Etsy, and more
• Some Cricut items are exclusively available at Michaels

Tips and Additional Info

Adhesive Vinyl Projects

Adhesive vinyl is great for decorating and customizing everyday items like wood signs, cups, picture frames, laptops, and more! This vinyl comes with a layer of adhesive so it is ready to stick on your item, both in permanent or removable options. Avoid tiny or thin lines in your design. You will need transfer tape to move your design onto the item you are decorating.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• Vinyl
  • Permanent is recommended for outdoor or washable items
  • Removable is recommended for laptop or wall décor
• Transfer tape

Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl Projects

Heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl is great for customizing t-shirts, bags, or other fabric items! Unlike regular vinyl, it does not have a layer of adhesive and is meant to adhere to fabric using a heat press. The end result will have a layer of vinyl on top of the fabric. Most brands (Cricut, Siser, Silhouette) of heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl have built-in heat resistant transfer tape. The heating process for each brand can vary, so read the accompanying directions carefully. The Cricut Heat Guide has suggested temperature settings.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl
• Heat Resistant Transfer Sheet (only if not built-in)

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

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!