The Knoxville Public Library is looking at going beyond the world of books and videos, and allowing people to check out other items for household use which they can’t afford to buy or rent.

The concept of a “library of things” is catching on with other libraries across the country, and could soon be tried out with items such as tools, sporting goods or baby and child care furniture.

Roslin Thompson from the Knoxville Public Library tells KNIA/KRLS News the library already provides musical instruments for check-out to middle school students, and she’s looking at expanding the concept.

“There are libraries in Iowa and nationwide, and they’ve expanded their collection to include any variety of things,” Thompson says. “And it could be tools, it could be board games, it could be fishing gear, any number of things.”

Before any other items could be made available for check out, Thompson says they’ll have to examine what needs the community has and what types of items, if any, should be put in their collection.