Library of Things
A "Library of Things" expands the traditional library concept by allowing patrons to borrow non-traditional items, rather than just books and media. Our growing Library of Things collection includes a variety of practical and recreational items.
By offering access to these shared resources, our Library of Things collection supports community well-being, promotes sustainability by reducing the need for individual purchases, and encourages skills development and creative projects within the community. See our growing "Library of Things" offerings below.
Book Club Kits
Want to enrich your literary journey with friends and fellow readers? We now offer book club kits! Each kit includes everything needed to host a book club meeting:
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Multiple copies of the selected title (15 copies)
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Book sign out sheet for book club facilitator to track copies
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Discussion guides including thought-provoking questions
Take advantage of this convenient service to foster engaging conversations, forge new connections, and enjoy literature together.
Our curated kits currently include the following titles:
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Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles
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Ferris Beach: A Novel by Jill McCorkle
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In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
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March by Geraldine Brooks
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The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
Check kit availability by searching the catalog for "book club kits" at PLJCS, or check book club kit availability by clicking the link here. Kits are not holdable.
Please note that the kits circulate as one item with 15 of the books included. Patrons may place up to ten holds at once through the catalog if more copies of a book are needed for a book club.
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Nature-Themed Backpacks
The Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield now circulates nature-themed backpacks to patrons with a library card or StudentAccess account. It is the hope of the library that these backpacks promote both mental and physical well-being by encouraging families to get outside and explore the county together!
Each backpack contains materials related to a particular theme:
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Birds
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Bugs and Insects
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Johnston County Trails
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Trees and Flowers
Patrons in good standing may check out a backpack from the Youth Services Department with their library card. Backpacks can remain checked out for a period of up to three weeks but are non-renewable. Returns must be made in person to either the Patron Services or Youth Services Department. Call the Youth Services Department at 984-985-2665 (extension 3) with questions. Nature-themed backpacks are first-come-first-served and cannot be placed on hold. To check backpack availability, click here.
Replacement costs for lost or damaged backpacks (and/or their contents) can range from $4 to $143.
These backpacks were made possible by funding from the Johnston County Community Foundation. Generous contributions of items including event calendars, carabiners, sunglasses, bike route guides, and more have been made by Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Johnston County Visitors Bureau, and the Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department.
Pickleball Sets
Looking to get active and have some fun? Check out one of our pickleball sets. Patrons in good standing may check out a pickleball set from the Patron Services Desk with their library card or StudentAccess account.
Each set consists of:
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Two pickleball paddles
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Four pickleball balls (two yellow and two orange)
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Padded pickleball case
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List of set contents
Pickleball sets are first-come-first-served and cannot be placed on hold. To check availability, click here. Sets can remain checked out for up to three weeks but are non-renewable. Returns must be made in person to the Patron Services Desk. Replacement costs for lost or damaged set ranges from $5 to $50.
Puzzle Lending
The library's puzzle collection was made possible by the generous donations of our patrons. We graciously accept puzzles with all pieces that are in good condition. If you have puzzles to donate, please drop them off at the Patron Services Desk.
Puzzle lending basics:
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Borrow a puzzle.
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Return at your convenience.
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No check out required!
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Complete the puzzle lending sheet, included with the puzzle, to report missing pieces or issues with the puzzle.
Our "Puzzle Corner" also includes a community puzzle table that patrons can sit and work on while visiting the library.