Brian Peteritas is a GOVERNING contributor.
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Idea Center
Libraries Start Lending Unusual Items
Seeking to adapt to the changing demands of the digital age, some public libraries are beginning to loan out some unusual things, reports USA Today.
In Ann Arbor, Mich., the library currently allows members to check out energy meters to test how much energy each of their home appliances use. The program is apparently so popular that the library plans to offer even more scientific equipment like microscopes, telescopes and life-size human skeleton models.
Another unlikely program that's taken hold in several libraries across the country is seed exchange. Instead of going to their local Home Depot, people in several cities can get vegetable, herb and flower seed packets from their local library. The library hopes that patrons will plant and grow the seeds then bring back a batch of seeds to share.
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