Submitted by Kathleen Amoia
(May 5, 2024) — “The Suzanne Auer Walsh Library of Things,” stationed to the right of the Killingworth Library circulation desk, is a new service provided to library patrons. It was made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Walsh in memory of his beloved wife, Suzanne Auer Walsh. In the words of Library Board member Jan O’Sullivan, “Just to get that kind of donation to fund a new permanent project is a wonderful thing.”
The idea of a Library of Things within a library originated in Grosse Point, Michigan during World War II. In recent years the trend has grown in libraries large and small including many in Connecticut. Wikipedia defines such projects as “a collection of non-traditional materials including gadgets, tools, games, kits, electronics and more–all available to check out free with a library card.” It helps to save patrons money by providing them with something they might want to try out or learn about or may need for a special occasion now and then.
At the Killingworth Library, the Suzanne Auer Walsh Library of Things covers all those categories with items that can be checked out by adults for a week. The library’s inventory includes a Blu-Ray Player, a knife sharpener, a Bocce Set, a pickleball set, cake pans, a CD player, a clamming kit, a croquet set, an ice cream maker, a sewing machine, a steel drum, a telescope, and a trail camera.
This is a partial list of very eclectic, practical and fun stuff, some of it particularly useful for outdoor activities as we head into the warmer months. The items will be on display on a rotating basis, but all are available. Board and staff members are open to suggestions for new things as well. A complete list of available items, procedures, and responsibilities for checking them out can be found at the Killingworth Library’s website killingworthlibrary.org.
Many of us who volunteered at the circulation desk have fond memories of Dr. Walsh. He came in frequently with a list of books his wife, Suzanne, had requested. During the gardening months, Dr. Walsh often brought his home-grown produce for volunteers and staff which included, on occasion, some of the best peaches around.
The Killingworth Library community, and the town community at large, thank Dr. Walsh for considering the Killingworth Library a fitting place to honor his wife. The Suzanne Auer Walsh Library of Things will benefit generations of town folk as it expands in a very practical way what the library offers its patrons.
Photo provided by Killingworth Library
