![Ukulele](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-ukulele.jpg)
Ukulele
Highland Park Public Library, hplibrary.org
Sure, a ukulele looks like fun, but how often would you really pluck it? Save yourself the impulse-buy regret and borrow one for two weeks instead.
![GoPro camera](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-GoPro-camera.jpg)
GoPro camera
Skokie Public Library, skokielibrary.info
The gadget collection here includes microphones, MP3 recorders, and scanners—everything you need for your web series about artisanal cheese.
![Seeds](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-bell-pepper-seeds.jpg)
Seeds
Lisle Library District, lislelibrary.org
How do you return something you bury underground? Bring in the new seeds from the plants you grow.
![Sewing machine](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-sewing-machine.jpg)
Sewing machine
Ela Area Public Library, eapl.org
Set up a DIY sweatshop with the five Singer Curvy machines that must be used onsite in the library’s Forge space.
![Cake pan](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-cake-pan.jpg)
Cake pan
Oak Lawn Public Library, olpl.org
Not a baker? The library also loans violins, a skeleton, and an LCD projector.
![Fishing pole](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-fishing-pole.jpg)
Fishing pole
Chicago Public Library (Rogers Park and seven other locations near water), chipublib.org
CPL beat many libraries to the alternative-collection punch, adding poles and tackle boxes donated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the ’90s.
![Tripod](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-tripod.jpg)
Tripod
Downers Grove Public Library, downersgrovelibrary.org
Create your own pop-up photo studio. Professional-grade lights and lenses are also available.
![Kilowatt meter](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-kilowatt-meter.jpg)
Kilowatt meter
Orland Park Public Library, orlandparklibrary.org
You get a week to find out which of your appliances are the biggest power vampires.
![American Girl doll](/wp-content/archive/images/2015/1115/C201511-312-Library-Lending-American-Girl-doll.jpg)
American Girl doll
Joliet Public Library, jolietlibrary.org
You can temporarily gift Addy, Kit, or Josefina. If you have a hard enough heart to rip a doll away from a kid.