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Beyond Books Collection

Libraries are for more than just books — we also have tools, games, hobby supplies and more.
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Home > Use Your Library > Borrow > Beyond Books

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.
  • Canon Camera
    What is it? The PowerShot ELPH 180 camera features an 8x Optical Zoom so more shots are within your reach. You’ll love the flexibility that the wide 28-224mm (35mm equivalent) shooting range offers. Plus, the wide-angle lens captures an expansive image in each shot, adding depth, perspective and grandeur. Landscapes, city scenes, family shots and more benefit from the extra width. Whether you’re shooting wide group shots or zooming to the telephoto end, your images will be bright and clear.
    Comes with: Camera. Removable battery. Charger. Getting started guide. Wrist strap. Black carry case.
    You will need: Your own memory card.
  • 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!
  • Cricut Easypress Mini
    What is it? The Cricut Easypress Mini is for those unusual objects, tight spaces and hard-to-reach places. It has three heat settings for iron-on and Infusible Ink projects. Customize hats, shoes or even stuffed animals.
    Comes with: Cricut Easypress Mini. 12″x12″ plastic and metal base pad. Carrying container.
    You will need: The materials you plan to use the heat press on.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Green Screen Backdrop for Photography and Video Lighting:
    What is it? The Chromakey backdrop system includes everything you need to set up a green screen. The backdrop stand is adjustable in height and width. It’s the perfect backdrop to take professional-grade video or photos.
    Comes with: 6’x9′ Chroma key green screen backdrop. 8’x10x support system. Two 45-watt 5500K CFL bulbs, equivalent to 400-watt output. Two AC adapters. Two 33″ shoot-through umbrellas. Two 7′ light stands. Carrying case.
    You will need: A camera, camcorder or other recording device.
  • 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.
  • Microphone — Snowball iCE
    What is it? Blue’s Snowball iCE is the fastest, easiest way to capture high-quality sound for recording and streaming. Its custom cardioid condenser capsule delivers crystal-clear audio quality that’s light-years ahead of your computer or phone’s built-in microphone. It’s even Skype- and Discord-certified, ensuring great results no matter how you use it.
    Comes with: Microphone. Tripod. USB cable. Quick start guide.
    You will need: A computer with USB 1.0 or 2.0 and a minimum of 64MB of RAM. If used with a PC, this microphone is recommended for use with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional installed. If used with a Mac, this microphone is recommended for Mac OS X 10.4.6 or higher.
  • Microphone — Professional Lavalier Microphone Interview Set
    What is it? This lapel mike is great for interviews, video recording and presentations alike. Just clip the mic to your shirt and plug it into your device, and you’re good to go. Works with Android, iOS, GoPro, DSLR, PC and Mac.
    Comes with: Two lapel microphones. Adapter. Two extension cords. Y connector. iPhone audio jack. Two wind muffs. Instructions. Carrying bag.
    You will need: Your own device.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Gaming Consoles

Patrons can check out one item from the gaming category at a time.

 

  • Nintendo Switch
    What is it? Take the Nintendo Switch console home with you to try any of the latest Nintendo games. Comes with the controllers and equipment for one- or two-player usage, either on your TV screen or just off of the Switch’s screen.
    Comes with:     Nintendo Switch console. Black Nintendo Switch dock. Red and blue Joy-Con controllers. HDMI cable. Power adapter.
    You will need: Switch game cartridges. More joy-cons, if you want to play with more than one other person.
  • Nintendo Switch Lite
    What is it? The Nintendo Switch Lite is a Switch made specifically for handheld play. The controllers are built in to the console and not connectable to a TV, making it the perfect console when you want the handheld Switch experience without plugging it into a bigger screen. It works with any Nintendo Switch game and is compatible with local wireless and online play.
    Comes with:     Nintendo Switch Lite console. Power cable.
    You will need: Switch game cartridges.
  • Oregon Trail Handheld
    What is it? This handheld game is based on the Oregon Trail computer game. Experience 19th-century pioneer life on the Oregon Trail — choose your profession and traveling companions, then undertake the challenging journey from Independence, Missouri to Oregon’s Willamette Valley circa 1848. Fill your covered wagon with supplies, and prepare to cross rivers and mountain ranges, hunting for food and trading for supplies as you go. Monitor your speed, supplies and party’s health closely to ensure everyone arrives safely and to avoid the dreaded message “You have died of dysentery.”
    Comes with: Handheld game. Instructions.
    You will need: Three AA batteries.
  • Playstation 4 Console
    Comes with: Playstation 4 console. One handheld controller. Power cable. HDMI cable. USB cable. Instructions.
    You will need: Playstation 4 games. More controllers, if you want to play with more than one person.
  • Starlink: Battle for Atlas Starter Pack for Nintendo Switch
    What is it?     Build. Battle. Win. This Nintendo Switch sci-fi action game takes you on a whole new adventure. Play in tabletop or handheld mode if you’re playing solo, or mount to your TV for up to two players. Rated E for fantasy violence. Will require internet download to get started.
    Comes with: Computer chip cartridge (sound, color, 1 1/4″). Two pilots. Airwing ship model. Flamethrower model. Frost barrage model. Controller mount. Booklet. Carrying case.
    You will need: Nintendo Switch console. A MicroSD card.
     

Outdoor Fun

Patrons can check out up to three outdoor fun items at a time.

 

STEM and Robotics

Patrons can check out one item from the STEM collection at a time.

 

Tech

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

 

Tools

Patrons can check out up to three items from the tools collection at a time.

 

...and more!

  • Career Connection Kits
    What is it? Our Career Connection Kits have everything you need to start a new job hunt. These items are available first-come, first-served and can’t be placed on hold. Stop by the second-floor staff desk to get started, or learn more about these kits.
    Comes with: Chromebook, USB ring light, Android TracFone (prepaid), mobile hotspot (prepaid), wired mouse, “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard Bolles, “How to Answer Interview Questions” by Peggy McKee, “How to Write the Perfect Resume” by Dan Clay
    You will need: Nothing.

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, Career Connection Kit 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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