Did you know you can borrow a telescope, a robot, or even passes to some of Wichita’s favorite attractions with your library card? And it won’t cost you anything!
I love finding ways for Wichita families to have fun without spending a fortune, and the Wichita Public Library’s Library of Things is one of those resources I think more people should know about.
We all have things we’d love to try but don’t necessarily want to buy. Maybe your kids want to look at the stars through a telescope, you’re curious about a new learning toy, or you’d love to take the family to a museum without paying admission for everyone. That’s where this program comes in!
The Wichita Public Library lets cardholders borrow all kinds of useful and unexpected items. I’m talking about much more than books!
Borrowing is easy! Start by visiting the Wichita Public Library’s Library of Things website to browse available items. Click an item you’re interested in to check availability, checkout rules, and the pickup location. Make sure you have a Wichita Public Library card in good standing, then visit the designated library location to check out your item. Some items may be placed on hold, but FREE Experience Passes are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. Most items can be borrowed for 14 days, although loan periods vary. My tip: Always check availability before making a special trip, especially if you’re hoping to snag a popular museum pass!
Get FREE Admission to Wichita Attractions with Library Experience Passes
This might be my favorite part of the entire program!
The Wichita Public Library offers Experience Passes that let families visit participating museums and attractions at no cost. If you’ve been wanting to take the kids somewhere fun but the admission prices are holding you back, this is definitely worth checking out.
Participating attractions listed by the library include:
- Botanica: Explore beautiful gardens, sculptures, fountains, and seasonal displays.
- Cosmosphere in Hutchinson: Make a day trip out of exploring space history and exhibits.
- Exploration Place: A fun option for curious kids who love hands-on science and discovering something new.
- Great Plains Transportation Museum: Perfect for kids who love trains and anything with wheels.
- Mid-America All-Indian Museum: Learn about Native American art, culture, and history.
- Old Cowtown Museum: Step back in time and explore Wichita’s history.
- Sedgwick County Zoo: One of Wichita’s favorite family outings.
- Wichita Art Museum: Spend some time exploring art together.
- Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum: Discover stories about Wichita and how our city has changed.
- Wichita Toy Train Club and Museum: A fun stop for train enthusiasts of all ages.
The Wichita Public Library’s current list also includes other participating attractions, so I recommend checking the official Experience Pass list before planning your outing.
My Tip for Getting a FREE Wichita Museum Pass
These passes are popular, and here’s something important to know: You cannot place an Experience Pass on hold. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
I would check the library’s availability before making a special trip, especially if you’re hoping to visit a particular attraction over the weekend.
Experience Passes can be checked out for seven days and cannot be renewed. Special exhibits, extra experiences, food, and gift shop purchases may cost extra.
Also, keep in mind that participating attractions can change. For example, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is no longer part of the program, and Museum of World Treasures was scheduled to leave the program at the end of September 2026.
Borrow a Telescope or Binoculars for a FREE Backyard Adventure
Here’s an idea for a family night that doesn’t involve buying tickets or loading everyone into the car: borrow a telescope and explore the night sky from your backyard!
The library has Orion StarBlast telescopes that you can take home. I think this would be such a fun activity for kids, especially on a clear Kansas evening.
You could spread out a blanket, look for the moon, and see what else you can spot together.
The library also lends binoculars. These kits come with helpful guides about Kansas birds, the moon, and the night sky.
A few ideas for using them:
- Take the binoculars to a Wichita park and go birdwatching.
- Bring them on a family camping trip.
- Make a backyard stargazing night out of it.
- Let your kids keep a little notebook of what they discover.
I especially love that you can try these things before deciding whether they’re worth buying for your family.
Let the Kids Try a Robot, Microscope, or Learning Kit for FREE
If you have a child who loves taking things apart, asking a million questions, or figuring out how everything works, this section is for you!
The Library of Things has some pretty cool hands-on learning equipment.
Finch Robots: Give Coding a Try
Need a robot? Apparently, the library has one of those, too!
The Finch Robot 2.0 lets kids and adults experiment with computer programming. You create instructions, and the robot responds.
It’s a fun way to introduce coding without purchasing an expensive robot that might end up sitting in a closet.
Microscopes: Explore a Whole New World
The library also has microscope kits that let you look at things you can’t see with the naked eye.
These could be especially fun for curious elementary-age kids, homeschool families, or students who want a little extra hands-on science practice.
The kits include a microscope, accessories, slides, and a book to help you get started.
Early Learning Backpacks and STEAM Kits
I love activities that keep kids busy while they’re learning something!
The library offers themed Early Learning Backpacks with books, toys, and activities for younger children. There are also STEAM to GO! kits geared toward older kids.
Instead of buying a new educational toy every time your child develops a new interest, see what the library has available first.
You can also read my guides to FREE Early Learning Backpacks and FREE STEAM Kits for more ideas.
Try a Toniebox Before Spending Money on One
If you have little kids, you’ve probably seen Tonieboxes or heard other parents talking about them.
These little audio players use figurines called Tonies to play stories and music. They’re designed for young listeners, including kids who aren’t reading independently yet.
But before you spend money buying one, why not see if your child actually enjoys it?
The Wichita Public Library has Tonieboxes available to borrow with a selection of figurines. It also lends some additional Tonie collections for families who already own compatible equipment.
I love the idea of trying something like this for free before investing in another toy!
Borrow a Hotspot or Chromebook Instead of Buying Extra Technology
The Library of Things isn’t just about entertainment. Some of these items can help with everyday expenses, too.
Mobile Hotspots
Need internet access for a short period? The library lends mobile hotspots that can help you get online from home.
They can be useful for checking email, completing online applications, or handling other everyday tasks when you don’t have reliable internet access.
Chromebooks and Library Computers
The library also offers Chromebooks that can be borrowed for extended use, along with laptops and Chromebooks for use inside select library locations.
This can be especially helpful if your computer breaks, you’re between devices, or you need something for a temporary project.
Check the library’s requirements and availability before making plans, since in-library computers and take-home Chromebooks have different borrowing rules.
More Surprising Things You Can Borrow from Wichita Public Library
Just when I thought I’d seen everything, I found a few more items I wouldn’t have expected to find at the library!
- Anatomy models: Borrow models of the human brain, heart, eye, ear, or kidney. Great for students and anyone who learns better by seeing things up close.
- Radon detectors: Check your home for radon without having to purchase your own detector.
- Blood pressure monitor kits: A useful option for people who need access to a monitor at home.
- Memory kits: Designed to support people living with dementia and encourage meaningful activities and conversations.
Some of these are things you might only need once or twice. That’s exactly why I love the idea of borrowing instead of buying!
How to Borrow from the Wichita Public Library’s Library of Things
Ready to check something out? Here’s what to know before you go.
- Cost: Borrowing Library of Things items is free with an eligible Wichita Public Library card.
- Library card: Some items require an adult (18+) library card in good standing. Check the requirements for the item you want.
- Checkout limit: You can have up to two Library of Things items checked out at one time.
- Most items: Available for 14 days, with up to two renewals when eligible.
- Experience Passes: Seven days, with no renewals or holds.
- Microscopes: Fourteen days, with no renewals.
- Chromebooks: Take-home Chromebooks have a 28-day checkout period.
- Availability: Items and pickup options vary, so check the library’s catalog and borrowing details first.
One more money-saving tip: Take care of what you borrow and return it on time. The library doesn’t charge daily overdue fines, but lost items can result in replacement charges.
Visit the Wichita Public Library’s official Library of Things page to browse the collection, see borrowing requirements, and check current availability.
My Favorite Part? Trying Something New Without Spending Money
I think we sometimes forget just how many wonderful FREE resources we have right here in Wichita.
The Library of Things is a great reminder that you don’t have to buy everything to enjoy it. You can try a new hobby, plan an affordable family outing, help your kids explore a new interest, or borrow something useful for your home.
And if you discover something your family absolutely loves, then you’ll know it’s worth buying later!
For even more ideas, check out my FREE Things to Do in Wichita guide and Wichita Events Calendar. I’m always looking for ways to help you live the good life for less!
