Fun Stuff to Borrow
The Fun Stuff to Borrow collection includes useful, educational, creative, and just plain fun items that you can check out with your library card.
Whether you want to try something new, borrow an item for a special project, or explore a hobby without buying equipment, the library may have something for you.
Select a category from the menu on the left to browse available items and place a hold.
Most items can be picked up at the second floor Reference desk; Youth items are located in the Youth department.
Most items can be picked up at the second floor Reference desk; Youth items are located in the Youth department.
Technology & Electronics
Explore technology, electronics, and useful gadgets available to borrow from the library.
Blu-ray Disc and DVD Player
- Requires TV with HDMI input. Not compatible with laptop or desktop computers. Includes + AC adapter, HDMI cable, remote with 2 AAA batteries, operating manual.
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Metal Detector
Digital Film Scanner
- Includes 1 scanner, USB cable, HDMI cable, SD card, slide tray, 3 film adapters, cleaning brush, and user guide.
Digital Wildlife Camera
- Includes camera, micro-USB charging cable, mounting strap, quick start manual, user manual, 8 AA batteries, 1 32GB micro SD card, and 1 SD card adapter.
DVD External USB DVDRW Drive
GoPro HERO7 Black Video Camera
- Includes GoPro HERO7, battery, charger, SD card, charging cable, headmount, clip mount, chest mount, tripod mount, and camera case.
Mobile Hotspots
- Includes 1 mobile hotspot device, 1 charging cable with wall adapter, 2 quick start guides (English & Spanish), and 1 safety guide.
National Geographic Junior Metal Detector
Oculus Quest
- Includes Oculus Quest headset, 2 controllers, charging cable, wall adapter, user guide, and case.
Portable LCD Projector
- Includes projector, power cord, VGA cable, HDMI cable, remote control, batteries, CD-ROM, user guide, and cloth bag.
Portable CD Player
- Includes CD player, 1 charging cable with wall adapter, 1 auxiliary cable, and 1 user manual.
- NO HEADPHONES INCLUDED.
VHS to DVD Converter
- Includes combined DVD, VHS player; 1 remote; audio cable; manual in original box.
Wellness & Home Tools
Tools that help support home safety, energy awareness, and personal wellness.
HappyLight Compact Energy Sun Lamp
HappyLight Touch Plus
Home Radon Detector Kit
- Includes home radon detector device, 3 AAA batteries, and printed instructions.
Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
- Includes Kill A Watt meter and easy-to-follow instructions.
- Purchased to support the City of Portsmouth's initiative to reduce the city's carbon footprint.
Portable Shredder
Stud Finder and Level
- Includes 1 stud finder with 2 AAA batteries, 2 user manuals, 1.9 inch level.
Thermal Leak Detector
- Includes thermal leak detector device, 1 9V battery, and instruction manual.
Arts, Crafts & Hobbies
Explore creative tools, hobby supplies, and kits for learning something new.
Backyard Birding Kit
- Includes two birding books, adult binoculars, children's binoculars, and a backpack.
Citizen Science: Observing Pollinators Kit
- Includes binoculars and lens cloth in nylon carrying case, stopwatch, laminated data sheet and clipboard, dry erase marker, bee observer cards, bee identification guide, New England Trees & Wildflowers guide, laminated project guide, and The Bees in Your Backyard book.
Operation ID Engraver Kit
Reading Group Book Bags
- Includes multiple copies of one title, along with a discussion guide.
Sewing Machine
- Includes 1 sewing machine, power cord and corded pedal; 2 manuals (English, Spanish); in case.
Speedweve Darning Loom
- Includes 1 28 hook metal loom; 1 14 hook metal loom; 2 wooden discs; 5 large elastics; 5 small elastics; 2 latch hooks; 1 15cm needle with eraser cap; 1 10cm needle with eraser cap; 3 7cm darning needles, 3 6cm darning needles, 3 5.25cm darning needles in tube.
Yarn Swift and Ball Winder
Media Accessories & Assistive Technology
Find media accessories and calculators available to borrow.
Casio fx-115v Super-FX Scientific Calculator
Electronic Printing Calculator
Insignia USB Transfer Cable
LED Hands-Free Magnifying Glass
LG Ultra Slim Portable DVD Player
Portable Cassette Recorder
Portable Cassette Player & Converter
- Includes cassette player, micro SD card, micro SD to USB drive, and user manual.
Texas Instruments TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator
Texas Instruments TI-30Xs Scientific Calculator
USB Stereo Headset with Microphone
Verbatim USB SD Card Reader
Youth Items
Discover activities, instruments, and educational resources for young explorers.
Orion Starblast Telescope
- Star guides, DVDs, and electronic resources are available to help you get started.
- Provided through a generous gift by the NH Astronomical Society.
- Must be 18 or older to sign the borrowing agreement.
Ukulele
Youth Activity Kits
- Browse all of our Youth Activity Kits in our Catalog.
Policies & Procedures
Lendable items are available to anyone with a Portsmouth Public Library card.
Borrower Responsibilities
By checking out any of these items, you are:
- Assuming responsibility for any damage, loss, or theft while the item is checked out to you.
- Assuming responsibility for any injury or accidents that occur while operating the item.
- Assuming responsibility for the entire replacement cost of the item.
Eligibility & Loan Periods
Lendable items are checked out under the following conditions:
- The borrower must be a Portsmouth Public Library cardholder over the age of 18 with an account in good standing.
- Most items circulate for one week and cannot be renewed.
How to Borrow
- Place items on hold through the library's online catalog or call (603) 427-1540.
- Sign the Loan Agreement when picking up the item. Library will provide a copy.
- For Oculus loans, sign the Oculus-specific waiver. Library will provide a copy.
- Return all items inside the library only. Do not place items in the book drop.
