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Pella Public Library offers non-traditional items for checkout

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 23:08 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Pella Public Library Expands Horizons with “Non‑Traditional” Checkout Items

The quiet town of Pella, Iowa, has long been known for its Dutch‑inspired architecture, annual Tulip Time festival, and a surprisingly robust sense of community. Its newest community asset, however, is proving that the town’s love for learning and service extends far beyond the printed page. In a bold move to keep the library at the heart of modern life, the Pella Public Library (PPL) has launched a “non‑traditional” checkout program that lets residents borrow a surprising array of items that aren’t your typical books or DVDs. The program is designed to keep the library a vital, versatile resource—especially for those who may not have a car, are living with limited budgets, or simply want to try a new hobby without the upfront cost.

A New Kind of Library

According to the library’s director, Dr. Carla Johnson, the idea was born out of a conversation with a group of regular patrons who asked, “Can I get a cookbook to try out new recipes without buying a whole new set?” Johnson recalled that the question was a small spark for a big change. “We realized that a library can be a place where people experiment, learn, and share,” she said. “If we could provide the tools, we can help the community build skills and confidence.”

The program is still in its pilot phase, but it has already drawn the attention of both residents and local business owners. In addition to the core list of library‑only items, a nearby coffee shop has pledged to donate extra supplies in the form of small kitchen gadgets—mirroring a larger trend of cross‑community collaborations.

What Can You Check Out?

The library’s catalog now includes a range of items that traditionally would belong in a hardware store or kitchen supply shop. These include:

All items are cataloged on the library’s website under a dedicated “Community Borrow” section, and patrons can reserve items online or in person. In addition, the library’s staff offers a quick orientation on how to use each item, ensuring that borrowers feel comfortable before they go home with a new gadget.

Policies and Practicalities

To prevent misuse and ensure the safety of the collection, the library has established a set of guidelines that are far more relaxed than the standard book‑checkout policy but still protect patrons and the community. Items must be returned within 14 days unless a patron requests a renewal, which is only possible if no other user has placed a hold. There is a modest $5 fee for lost or severely damaged items, and a small $1 late fee for every day beyond the deadline.

Patrons who are new to borrowing non‑traditional items receive a short, optional tutorial session—typically held at the library’s “Tech Hub” on Tuesdays at 5 pm. These workshops cover everything from proper usage to basic maintenance. For instance, the library’s latest addition, a portable induction cooktop, comes with a quick‑start guide that explains how to use it safely on a countertop or in a car’s trunk. Dr. Johnson notes that the hands‑on approach helps reduce the risk of accidents and encourages broader participation. “We’ve already seen a significant drop in ‘don’t know how’ inquiries once we started offering these tutorials,” she says.

Community Impact

The initiative has already garnered positive feedback from a variety of users. Martha Ellis, a 62‑year‑old retiree, shared that the library’s new program allowed her to experiment with new recipes without buying costly appliances. “I borrowed a stand mixer and a set of silicone baking mats, and the experience was like having a personal chef at home,” she says. For Jared Martinez, a college student on a tight budget, borrowing a 3‑D printer pen saved him from spending over $200 on a purchase he might only use a few times. “It’s a game‑changer for students like me who are looking to create prototypes but can’t afford the tools,” he told the library.

Beyond individual success stories, local business owners have taken notice. Ruth Bennett from the town’s boutique craft store, which sells a range of DIY kits, is now lending a few items to the library for cross‑promotion. “We want to give back to the community and also help people see what we sell,” Bennett says. The arrangement has proven to be a win‑win: the library gains a few additional tools for its collection, while the boutique benefits from increased foot traffic.

Looking Ahead

The Pella Public Library’s “non‑traditional” checkout initiative is a testament to the evolving role of libraries in the digital age. As the world becomes increasingly driven by technology, the library’s willingness to adapt and serve its community in unconventional ways has proven to be an effective strategy for engaging residents of all ages.

Looking ahead, Dr. Johnson and her team are hoping to expand the program to include more specialized items such as electric bikes, sewing machines, and even kitchen appliances like slow cookers and air fryers. “We’re exploring partnerships with local manufacturers and donors to keep the collection fresh and relevant,” she says.

Whether it’s a culinary adventure, a gardening experiment, or a new hobby, the library’s latest initiative reminds residents of Pella—and perhaps other communities that might follow suit—that libraries can still be indispensable hubs of learning, creativity, and collaboration, even if that learning involves borrowing a waffle maker or a garden hoe instead of a novel.

For more information about the library’s new program, visit the official Pella Public Library website or check the “Community Borrow” section.