Lending Library at New Bedford Libraries offers much more than books and movies

“New Bedford, Massachusetts – The top 5 items checked out from the New Bedford Free Public Library’s Funbrary collection are a ukulele, keyboard, microscope kit, light up tracing pad, and the bean bag toss. The program has been so successful that the number of checkouts by library patrons increased by 332% compared to 2020 when it opened.

The Funbrary is a collection of items that moves beyond the traditional materials found at a library. From a telescope to a portable DVD player, from knitting needles to a metal detector, the New Bedford Free Public Library provides patrons with access to a collection of items that encourages exploration, waste reduction, and learning while saving money. Or maybe you’re looking for something more practical. No problem! They have bike locks, wall stud finders and thermal leak detectors.

“Rather than multiple families purchasing tennis rackets, letter/number cake pans, or giant Jenga, possibly to use for a short time, the whole community can benefit by reusing these items. Reuse means less waste. People can try items out and decide if they want to buy them for their homes, rather than buy, try, and trash.” said Marissa Perez-Dormitzer, Waste Reduction Manager from the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.

Interested in borrowing an item from the Funbrary? Items are available for checkout for a week with a SAILS Library card. Borrowers must be 18 years and older and can have up to 3 items checked out at a time. All New Bedford Library locations have a variety of items to be checked out. A detailed list of items can be found on the library’s website. Go to Quick Links at newbedford-ma.gov/library for each library’s offerings.

The items in the Funbrary Collection were purchased thanks to grant funding. The City’s Department of Facilities and Fleet Management (DFFM) received grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in recognition of the City’s recycling efforts. DFFM has been funding the Funbrary Collection since 2020.

For more information, please call your local branch of the New Bedford Free Public Library.

• Casa Da Saudade Branch | 58 Crapo St. | 508-991-6218
• Howland Green Branch | 3 Rodney French Blvd. | 508-991-6212
• Lawler Branch | 745 Rockdale Ave. | 508-991-6216
• Main Library Downtown | 613 Pleasant St. | 508-991-6275
• Wilks Branch | 1911 Acushnet Ave. | 508-991-6214.”