Tools! Library of Things at Sanibel Public Library

New! Borrow tools from Sanibel Public Library

Need a screwdriver, hammer, clamp, tape measure, trim square, pliers, level, … or how about a “How To” home repair book?
Stop by to borrow!
 
This new initiative adds to SPL’s “Library of Things” where patrons can borrow items like Birdwatching Kits, Cooking Kits, Videogames, GoPro camera, or mobile WiFi hotspots.
 
 Margaret Mohundro, Library Executive Director said, “We heard from patrons that many residents lost their tools during Hurricane Ian. The Library is looking to help out patrons who are doing simple home repairs or DIY projects. Patrons can stop by and borrow a tool as they work on restoring their homes.”
 
Sanibel Public Library encourages, and welcomes use of its collections and services. The Library is open to the public on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and also offering “on demand” contactless curbside service. You can pick up holds inside or to use Curbside pickup service: place your items on hold. You will be contacted with day to pick up. When you arrive at the Library for pickup, please call (239) 472-2483 and staff will bring your bag of “hold” items out to your car.
 
The Library’s high-speed WiFi is one of the best on the island. Connect from outside in the parking areas when the facility is closed (works outside for most devices).
 
Sanibel Public Library has a number of services for small business owners, job seekers, or any adult looking to grow in their career:
 
-Library cardholders can borrow Mobile WiFi Hotspots to connect enabled devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) to the internet from anywhere. Other “Gear to Go” Kits to borrow include:
-Looking for a coworking space to meet up with a client or vendor? Reserve a “study room” or use one of the tables in Fiction or Nonfiction areas.
Study rooms have a Windows Operating System and include Microsoft Office, Zoom, Skype, and other software. Study Room computers are connected to the internet and a printer.
-The SPL offers faxing, and photocopying services at a nominal fee. You can also scan documents to send to your email or flash drive. Call to make an appointment for notary services at the Library. Sanibel Public Library is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
-If you’re inside the Library, you can access to ConsumerReports.org, the fully interactive website companion to Consumer Reports magazine. You can also read CR magazines in print, to get ratings, reviews, comparisons, and more from a trusted source.

-Do you work in recreation? Fishing guide, kayaking tours, musician? Borrow a GoPro to create video for your social media. Borrow a WiFi hotspot to connect to the internet from remote places. The Library also loans birdwatching and other kits in the “Library of Things.”

 
-The “Tech IT Out” kiosk offers Sanibel Public Library cardholders an easy way to borrow a Dell laptop or MacBook Air. The Macs offer apps like Keynote, Google Chrome, FaceTime, Zoom, Safari, and GarageBand. The Dells have PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Zoom, and games like Mahjong.
 
–Sanibel Public Library also has access to books and other information to help small business owners and people seeking career and job resources. Reference librarians can help steer patrons toward information they need. If the Library does not have an item you are looking for, you can make a request for the item through Interlibrary Loan. Make an appointment to get help accessing databases, including MorningStar Investment Services:

–Brainfuse is an eBrainfuse is an on-demand, anywhere, eLearning module: https://sanlib.org/eshelf/Brainfuse offers help with GED, U.S. Citizenship test, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and other state standardized test prep. Login to Brainfuse’s Writing Lab to get constructive feedback on your résumé. Brainfuse modules in Microsoft Office include training in Excel and PowerPoint. There is also a Foreign Language Lab and support in Spanish for Spanish speakers.

eBooks, Apps, and Other eShelf Services:

Sanibel Public Library card holders can download magazines, eBooks and audiobooks via the OverDrive Libby app. Your PIN should be the last four digits of your Sanibel Public Library card number.

The Library also offers Mango – an online language learning tool. Mango has more than 70 languages and dialects, including English. Mango can be used on a desktop or offline on a mobile device. In addition to language lessons, you can download eBooks, magazines, or stream video in a variety of languages with Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy.

The Hoopla Digital app allows users to stream movies, TV shows, comics, and music. With Hoopla all material can be accessed simultaneously (no holds). Hoopla offers a selection of the Great Courses, with videos on public speaking, writing bootcamp, and more.

Library cardholders can use the popular video streaming service Kanopy, which offers more than 30,000 documentaries, indie films, and classic movies, as well as The Great Courses.

The Library’s own SanLibMobile app helps you search the Library’s catalog, manage your account, place a book on hold, and more. The app works on all iOS, Android, and other major smart phones and tablets.

Sanibel Public Library offers a “Computer Coach” service. Bring in your device for technology assistance with Hoopla, Kanopy, Libby, and other Library apps. For one-on-one tech help go to www.sanlib.org/techappointment to register.

Sanibel Public Library offers several e-reader apps; including Hoopla for downloadable eBooks, movies, music and audiobooks. Download eBooks, audiobooks and magazines Libby app from OverDrive. Cardholders can download music with the Freegal app, more than 15 million songs available.

For Sanibel Public Library cardholders there is no charge to use Library apps. Sanibel Public Library cards are available to all residents of Sanibel and Lee County, Florida, at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

To access all of the Library’s online services, choose “eShelf” from the homepage menu. Your PIN is the last four digits of your Library card.

Sanibel Public Library’s eShelf was originally funded in 2010 with a grant from the Sanibel Library Foundation, to provide bestseller eBooks and audiobooks. The following year the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club provided funds for an eBook business collection. These services are offered to Sanibel Public Library cardholders at no extra charge. Since 2011 the eShelf usage has grown by 20 percent every year, and more than 43,000 eBooks have been checked out, including 9,000 audiobooks.

Best way to ensure you get Library news and updates on services? Sign up for the emailed monthly announcements newsletter at: bit.ly/SPLnew5.

For media inquiries about Sanibel Public Library – contact Maureen Tesoro. mtesoro@sanlib.org (239) 472-2483.

person uses mobile wifi hotspot