A did-you-know guide to unexpected ways to use the Orrville Public Library

Where can a family get hold of a paw print cake pan, a bubble machine, traffic safety cones, an ice cream maker or a karaoke machine on short notice, with zero dollars expended?

Those items and at least 100 more are available through the Orrville Public Library's collection called a Library of Things.

From classic games to more unique ones, they can be borrowed for visits from grandchildren, Orrville library Director Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft suggested, or for checking out items patrons may only want to use once and don't want to purchase.

The library has an entire cake pan collection; miscellaneous equipment, such as a CD and DVD player; board games; and dozens of other activities categorized in take-out bins.

Zoo passes, and making memories

Akron Zoo passes for four are available for a three-day period, said Silchuk-Ashcraft.

For public use at the library is its Memory Lab's oral history equipment, software and devices "to access, digitize and share old videos, audio recordings, photographs and slides," according to the library's website.

Silchuk-Ashcraft recalled "tearful" moments as patrons' memories come alive again.

Patrons also may exchange paperback books and puzzles.

Vox books, described as all-in-one read along audio books, "are great for kids who are reluctant readers," Silchuk-Ashcraft said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: A did-you-know guide to unexpected ways to use the Orrville Public Library