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Beyond Books Collection

Libraries are for more than just books — we also have tools, games, hobby supplies and more.

Sharing new hobbies and experiences with all of Racine.

 

Libraries these days are about so much more than books. The Racine Public Library’s Beyond Books Collection is building a collection of tools, hobby supplies, board games, video game consoles, equipment and more that’s perfect for trying something new. It’s a great way to play a new board game with your friends without having to buy or rent one, or to see if you have what it takes to tackle self-employment as a videographer without needing to buy a video camera first, just to name a few examples.

 

Basically, the Beyond Books Collection lets you explore, learn and try new things as much as you want. We’ll make sure that your budget or the amount of space on your shelves don’t have to limit your growth. Just stop into the library to grab what you need — then when you’re done, return it so your neighbors can give it a try, too. And if you liked it, come back and check it out again sometime!

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Board Games and Puzzles

Patrons can check out up to three board games at a time.

 

Create

Patrons can check out up to three items from the create category at a time.

 

  • Amplifier
    What is it? For the beginning electric guitarist or anyone who wants a small, easy-to-use practice amp with quality tone and a great price, the Frontman 10G is at your service. Conveniently compact and built with classic Fender style, it delivers full sound from its 6″ speaker, with a gain control and overdrive switch that rock guitar tones from tube-emulated overdrive to full-strength ultra-saturated distortion — perfect for blues, metal and famous Fender clean tone. For convenient personal listening at any time that won’t bring the house down on anyone else within earshot, this amp features a headphone output jack. For thick overdriven distortion at the push of a button, the Frontman 10G features a convenient front-panel clean/overdrive switch
    Comes with: Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier. Instructions.
    You will need: A guitar.
  • Ball Winder and Swift
    What is it? This tool can help you turn piles or skeins of yarn into compact balls of yarn, ready to be worked from. It has a capacity of about 4 ounces, and the clamp can be attached to a table or other location of up to 1 3/4″.
    Comes with: Ball winder, skein holder, case, clamp, and instruction sheet.
    You will need: Your own yarn.
  • Blue Yeti USB Microphone
    What is it? This microphone features three condenser capsules, four pickup patterns, headphone output and volume control, and mic gain control. The stand can hold up to 70 ounces.
    Comes with: A microphone, a Luling Arts model LA20 adjustable table-top stand (including a boom arm, a table mount clamp, a microphone shock mount, an adjustable microphone mount, a 3/8″ to 5/8″ screw adapter, a double-layer pop filter shield on a flex arm, a sponge mount, and velcro ties), a USB cable, and instructions.
    You will need: A computer and adequate file storage, audio processing software, and video recording equipment, depending on what you will use the microphone for.
  • Cassette to MP3 Converter
    What is it? Convert your old cassettes to MP3 files so you can save them and listen to them on your phone, tablet, computer and more. It is powered by USB or 2 AA batteries.
    Comes with: USB Cassette Capture. User guide. USB cable. Software CD.
    You will need: The cassettes you want to convert. Two of your own AA batteries if you decide not to power it with the USB cable.
  • Concert Ukulele
    What is it? The ukulele is a popular string instrument similar to a miniature guitar. This instrument is great for players of all ages and skill levels.
    Comes with: Kala KA-15C concert ukulele. Carrying case.
    You will need: Nothing!
  • Crochet Hooks Set
    What is it? This set of crochet hooks contains all the tools you will need to create your own crocheted piece.
    Comes with: Kit comes with 14 ergonomic crochet hooks, 9 yarn needles, 10 stitch markers, 1 scissors and case.
    You will need: An understanding of how to crochet, as well as your own yarn and any patterns. Stop by the Supply Swap in the Beyond Books Collection to grab some free yarn if you need any, and explore our books to find instructions and patterns.
  • Darning Loom
    What is it? This kit comes with everything you need to mend holes and weave patches onto clothes and other fabrics.
    Comes with: A Speedweve-type darning loom, a darning mushroom, a weft comb, a selection of embroidery floss, 10 knitting needles in four sizes, 10 markers, and a loom pick.
    You will need: The material you want to darn, as well as any custom colors of thread (embroidery floss) not available in the kit.
  • Digital Film Scanner
    What is it? Turn film to images in seconds. This powerful 14/22MP KODAK film scanner converts 35mm, 125, 110, Super 8 and 88mm negatives or slides to digital images.
    Comes with: Kodak Scanza digital film scanner and kit. Three inserts. Three adapter trays. Video cable. USB cable. HDMI cable. AC adapter. Cleaning brush. Instruction manual.
    You will need: The film you want to scan.
  • DropMix Music Gaming System
    What is it? Play music like never before as you face off or team up to win! Everyone can create mixes in this fast-paced music game. Keep the music pumping with three ways to play: Freestyle, Clash, and Party. For one to four players.
    Comes with: DropMix music gaming system. 60 DropMix cards. Instructions.
    You will need: To download the DropMix app. Four AA batteries.
  • Embroidery Starter Kit
    What is it? This kit comes with everything you need to embroider your own works of art.
    Comes with: Embroidery threads on bobbins, pins, embroidery needles, needle threading tools, water soluble pens, three embroidery hoops, a soft tape measure, thread wax, a pin cushion, a thimble, scissors, aida cloth, and a seam ripper.
    You will need: Any patterns you want to follow – check our embroidery books to find something to inspire you – as well as any more custom colors or fabrics you want to work with.
  • ePhoto Z300 Photo and Document Scanner
    What is it? An easier way to scan photos and documents than a typical flatbed scanner — just insert the photos one by one, then scan. It takes just a few seconds per photo, so you can easily convert hundreds of photos to digital files in a single afternoon. You can finally share your photos over email or social media or create a digital backup. Converts 3×5″, 4×6″, 5×7″, 8×10″, A4, letter and other sizes to 300 or 600 dpi JPGs, PDFs, TIFFs and more. Save to your computer or file network, or upload directly to social media. The accompanying software lets you enhance and restore your photos with a click of the mouse. It’ll automatically straighten and crop photos off you, and it includes easy functions to adjust sharpness, exposure and contrast.
    Comes with: Scanning device. Lens cleaning cloth. Power cord. High-speed cable. Calibration sheet. Instructions.
    You will need: Your own Mac (OS X 10.10 to 11) or PC (Windows 7/8/10/11) to download the software onto.
  • Fuji Instamax Mini 9 Instant Camera
    What is it? The Instamax Mini 9 is easy to use and makes a charming accessory. Automatic exposure measurement helps you take the best shot, no matter the lighting — it signals the recommended aperture setting, and you just turn the dial to match. A selfie mirror is built in so you can take the perfect photo every time. Close-up macro photos are easy to take with the close-up lens adapter, which lets you focus on subjects as close as 35-50 cm. Its High-Key mode lets you take brighter pictures with a soft look, perfect portraits.
    Comes with: A camera made of plastic, metal and glass. Carrying case. Strap. Close-up lens attachment. Manual.
    You will need: Film pack. 2 AA batteries.
  • Hot Glue Gun
    What is it? Use this hot glue gun to safely but securely adhere whatever you need. Perfect for cosplay, DIY projects and simple repairs.
    Comes with: Glue gun. Four glue sticks while supplies last.
    You will need: The materials you plan on gluing.
  • Kalimba Thumb Piano
    What is it? The African-tuned kalimba has a wide and deep repertoire of music from across the vast Zambezi Valley. This truly ancient instrument is even thought to be related to the mbira from 1300 years ago. The inherent musical logic of the kalimba, along with its large repertoire of traditional African songs, are now yours to explore.
    Comes with: Wooden 17-key kalimba. Tuning hammer. Instruction book.
    You will need: Nothing!
  • Knitting Needles Set
    What is it? A total of 18 different sizes of knitting needles, from 2 mm to 10 mm, between the pointed and circular sets. This standard selection is enough to help you craft almost any project that uses standard yarn sizes.
    Comes with: 75 double-pointed bamboo knitting needles in 15 sizes (five in each size). 18 circular, 31.5″ bamboo knitting needles. Weaving tools knitting kit. Plastic case.
    You will need: Yarn and patterns.
  • Loom Knitting Set
    What is it?  A fast, efficient tool to create circular knitting projects like hats, double-layered scarves and more.
    Comes with: Round looms measuring 9cm, 13cm, 18cm, 23 cm, 28 cm and 36 cm. Looming hook. Yarn needle. 5mm crochet hook. Mini crochet hook. Stitch markers. Tape measure. Instruction shet.
    You will need: Yarn and patterns.
  • Midi Keyboard Controller
    What is it? The mini AKM320 is a 32-key master keyboard controller. Its controls include pitch and modulation wheels, a volume slider, octave buttons, transposition buttons and sustain pedal input. Plug right into your computer to get started.
    Comes with: Midi keyboard. USB cable. Owners’ manual. Storage box.
    You will need: A computer with Mac OS X or Windows XP and above.
  • Needle Wool Felting Starter Kit
    What is it? This kit contains everything you need to turn fluffy, colored wool into miniature fabric artworks like charms, figurines and more.
    Comes with: An awl, pliers, scissors, a thimble, tweezers, silver bells, wool felt molds, dust plugs, glue sticks, a felting foam pad, phone lanyards, a storage fox, finger cots, 8mm plastic noses, a wooden felting handle, colorful wool roving, needles (9-shape, T-shape, 36 gauge, 38 gauge, 40 gauge, and more), metal marking rings, plastic eyes (3, 4 and 5mm), and instructions.
    You will need: Patterns, if needed. Try searching our books for wool felting projects.
  • Overhead Phone Mount
    What is it? This phone mount can hold a device of up to 3 lbs on an overhead frame for top-down filming.
    Comes with: A tripod arm, clip arm, p-light ring light, ball head, a 2″ C jaw clamp, phone clip and instructions. The ring light is 6″ with 3 lighting modes, each with 10 brightness levels, and a 360º swivel ball head. It is powered by USB.
    You will need: Your own phone, as well as any desired audio or video processing software.
  • Paper Cutter
    What is it? This A4-sized, spring-loaded cutter is the ideal trimmer for home, office, school or craft use. Use it to slice papers, cards, photos, coupons and more in A2, A3, A4, A5 and similar sizes. It comes equipped with an extended ruler for easier placement of paper, as well as an angle measuring plate and a cm/inch grid scale for precise cutting.
    Comes with: Plastic and metal paper cutter, 38x15x2cm.
    You will need: The materials you want to cut.
  • Paper Quilling Kit
    What is it? A basic paper quilling kit to introduce you to the art of paper quilling. In this unique craft, you use the tools to fold, bend and wrap colored strips of paper into art pieces that are part mural, part sculpture.
    Comes with: Colored quilling paper (while supplies last). Quilling board. Pearl pins. Two-headed quilling tool. Tweezers. Awl. Scissors. Curling coach. Slotted tool. Precision-tip glue bottle.
    You will need: Glue and your own paper, if the type or color you want isn’t included.
  • Reel-to-Reel Digital Converter
    What is it? A fully automated device that digitizes 8mm and Super8 movie reels frame-by-frame for high-quality digital conversion. Converts movies to MPEG-4 (MP4) files at 720P and 30 fps. Can also scan and save movies to SD and SDHC cards (32GB max). You can playback to your TV using the included TV cable.
    Comes with: Movie reel digitizer. USB cable. TV-out cable. DC 12V power adapter. 8mm-hole reel. Reel adapter. Blower brush. User manual. Carrying case.
    You will need: A Windows, Mac or Linux computer. Your own SD or SDHC card if you’re saving the reel to one.
  • Sewing Machine
    What is it? A strong, tough sewing machine that can handle any materials, from as delicate and lightweight as silk to as tough as denim or outdoor fabrics. It can handle everyday sewing and mending as well as heavy-duty projects — it’s both flexible and durable. Can sew up to 800 stitches per minute in 37 different utility and decorative stitches for blind hems, stretch stitches, buttonholes, zipper insertion and more. This machine features a metal needle plate for heavyweight needles and smooth fabric feeding. It also comes with a built-in, easy needle threader, a jam-resistant quick-set drop-in top bobbin, an automatic bobbin-winding system and a free arm for sewing cuffs, sleeves and jeans. Its drop feed feature allows you to complete free-motion sewing with ease.
    Comes with: Brother sewing machine (12.1×5.9×15.3″), model ST371HD. Foot pedal. Spring-action zigzag foot. Nonstick foot. Blind stitch foot. Zipper foot. Buttonhole foot. Button-sewing foot. Oval screwdriver. Four bobbins. Extra spool pin. Twin needle. #11 needle. #14 needle. #16 needle. “A” and “B” spool caps. Instructional DVD. Operation manual in English and Spansih. Carrying case.
    You will need: Thread and the materials you wish to sew. Needles, if you need a type that doesn’t come with the machine. Sewing patterns.
  • Sewing Needle Set
    What is it? A sit of sewing needles you can use for simple mending and creations.
    Comes with: Needles in various sizes, needle threaders, a thread removal knife, a thimble, and a soft tape measure.
    You will need: Thread, a pattern if you’re working off of one, and the fabric or project you’re working on. If you need fabric or thread, we sometimes stock these in the Supply Swap in the Beyond Books Collection.
  • Soprano Ukulele
    What is it? The ukulele is a popular string instrument similar to a miniature guitar. Its small body and simple technique make it a great beginner’s instrument, while offering enough flexibility to satisfy the most advanced learners. This instrument’s basswood body is accompanied with nylon strings, which require regular tuning but are gentle on the fingers and produce a warm tone.
    Comes with: Martin Smith ukulele, model UK-222-A. Guide book. 20.9×2.8×6.7″ carrying case.
    You will need: Nothing!
  • Sports Action Camera
    What is it? This video camera is versatile and rugged enough to capture any outdoor footage you need.
    Comes with: Moment 4 Action camera. Waterproof housing. Folding backpack. 2.4GHz remote. Wrist strap for remote. 1050mAh battery. Long connector. Two short connectors. Surface J-hook buckle. 360º adapter. Tripod mount adapter. Bicycle handlebar. Two helmet mounts. USB cable. Cable ties. Cleaning cloth. Helmet belt. User manual. Black carrying case.
    You will need: A micro SD card.
  • Steel Tongue Drum Kit
    What is it?
    This 6″ steel tongue drum is great for education, performance, casual playing and more. Comes with a sound stopper to change its timbre to a fuller, deeper sound with a shorter duration — great for pop musical styles. When played without the stopper, its traditional sound is clearer, louder and longer — great for classical Chinese tunes.
    Comes with: Musfunny 2019 6″ steel drum, model 1111-154. Padded bag. Two mallets. Tutorial. Instruction card.
    You will need: Nothing!
  • Touch-Screen, Roll-Up Piano Keyboard
    What is it?
    This wireless electronic piano keyboard comes with a touchscreen and can connect via Bluetooth with computers, smartphones, speakers, headphones and more. It has 88 keys for a natural-sounding tone and can connect to midi, microphones or MP3 players. Its sustain pedal can also create a tremolo effect. Built-in 4D stereo speakers.
    Comes with: Roll-up piano. USB charging cable. Sustain pedal. Instruction book. Carrying bag.
    You will need: Your own computer, smartphone, headphones or other devices you want to use the piano with.
  • Tripod
    What is it? The VT-300 video tripod will mount a recording device of up to 15 lbs wherever you need it for filming and photography. The max height is 64.3″, and a bubble leveling tool helps you position your equipment straight on uneven ground.
    Comes with: Tripod with attached fluid head and pan bar, a zippered carrying bag, a quick release plate and a user guide.
    You will need: Your own recording device.
  • Wooden Weaving Loom
    What is it?
    This Coola loom is a great beginner’s tool if you’re interested in picking up a new craft. Weave beautiful garments, tapestries and other projects — it’s easy to pick up but offers a satisfying challenge of hand-eye coordination, discipline and creativity.
    Comes with: Wooden weaving loom. 23x23cm carrying case. Shuttle. Small weaving comb. Tapestry needle. Plastic needle.
    You will need: Your own yarn.

Tech

Patrons can check out one laptop and one other item from the tech collection at a time.

 

How long can I borrow Beyond Books items for?

 

Unless otherwise specified, everything on this page is available to be checked out for up to a week at a time.

 

Are there fines for Beyond Books items?

 

The Racine Public Library doesn’t charge late fees for any of its overdue items. However, we do ask patrons to pay the cost of an item if they lose it and are unable to return it. Normally, we won’t charge you for the item until it’s been about a month past its due date. However, if the item is a computer or Beyond Books item worth $100 or more, please be aware that we will bill you the day after the due date if the item is not returned. Returning the item at any time will waive this charge.

 

What if the item I’m looking for isn’t available?

 

Is the item you want currently checked out? Try placing a hold.

 

Looking for an item not that’s not available in this collection? We take requests — just reach out to us at [email protected] or call the library at (262) 636-9217. We can also 3D print simple items for you.

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