NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) — In a world where screens are everywhere and you don't need to leave the house to go into a new world, third spaces are finding renewed popularity. Libraries are one of the most popular third spaces, recently finding new ways to connect with you.

Among the stacks of books and quiet halls in New Berlin Public Library, you'll come across its "Library of Things." Jessica Madey is the lead adult services librarian in New Berlin, saying, "People like having those opportunities available to them at little or really no cost."

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"Our things are kind of across several different categories. Everything from education, entertainment, creativity, curiosity. So we kind of have everything, really." — Jessica Madey

There are more than 2,000 items available for you to check out — you can find the full list HERE.

"It's just kind of amazing when you go and look at all the things that we have in our collection, because pretty much anything you could want, we've got it," shared Madey.

Some of their hottest items include "experience passes," getting you into local attractions or events on a first-come, first-served basis. This time of year, bicycles and a variety of costumes are on the floor to check out. But you'll also find something for everyone.

Among the items with the highest circulation, Madey noted lawn games and recreational games like giant Connect Four. You'll be able to find large games, ones that fit on your table, instruments and music you can listen to in any form. Madey said she's heard of people using their Library of Things to prepare for a party, using available items like a balloon inflator, photo booth backdrop, LED party light and a fog machine. There are more niche items available, too, like a Darth Vader baking pan.

"I feel like I'm constantly surprised when somebody asks if we have it, and then I go and look it up, and sure enough, we do," she said.

At a time when inflation is high and families may not have extra funds, the New Berlin Public Library is filling a need, noted Madey.

"They don't have to go out and purchase all of these different items. They're things that they could get from us, and they only need it for the weekend. So that kind of works out perfectly. I think that it's also people are trying to save money, and so maybe they want to try out a sewing machine, for example, but they don't know if they want to purchase one yet. So they could try ours, or maybe they want to learn how to use it. You know, some of those items are larger ticket prices, bigger ticket prices, and so, before somebody wants to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a product, maybe they want to try it, and that we're a place where they can try it."

The library has been allowing people to try things out for five years now. The collection started in winter 2021 when the City of New Berlin put up a temporary ice skating rink across the street from the library, so the collection began with ice skates available to rent. Since then, items have been added "based on what we thought people might want."

Those ice skates, along with other seasonal materials, are stored in the basement.

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There's an increasing number of visitors each month this year, and Madey believes it's because the library has been identified as "a safe space, an open and welcoming space in their community. Libraries are one of the last third spaces, so this is a place you can come. And we're not asking anything of you. We're not asking you to pay."

The New Berlin Public Library is part of the "Bridges Library System," which works with other libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson counties. If you live outside those counties, however, you can still purchase a membership to the Bridges Library System.