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aving a party and need some lawn games, chairs, or even a projector to spice things up? Have you ever wanted to try making ice cream? Do you have some old VHS tapes that you wish you could convert to digital files? Wonder how much energy your appliances and devices are gobbling up at home?
With our new Beyond Books collection, you have a lot of options for fun and different things to checkout with your library card to make your party, park visit, afternoon off, or vacation a lot more fun and interesting. There are also several tools and technology available that are great to have for when you don't want to make an investment in something but just want use it a few times.
All of these useful items in the Beyond Books collection are available for checkout with your library card. Just ask for them at the Circulation Desk. (Please note that this collection is for Elmwood Park adult patrons only.)
Play a game: Bags | Board Games | Bocce Balls | Croquet Set | Dominoes | Table Tennis | Horseshoes
Learning something new: Juggling Balls & DVD | Ukulele & CD
Tools & useful items: Bike Repair Kit | Binoculars | Camping Chairs | Finger Oximeter | HappyLight Touch |
Ice Cream Maker | Kill a Watt Meter | LED Magnifier | LightKeeper Pro | Metal Detector | Step Counter | Telescope
Technology: Earbud Speech Translator | Fujifilm Camera | Portable DVD Player | Portable Blu-ray (& DVD) Player | Region-Free DVD Player | Roku Streaming Stick+ | | VHS to Digital Converter | Video Projector | WiFi Hotspots | Chromebook Laptop | Computer Mouse | International Travel Power Adapter
Memory Assistance Kits: Baby Doll | Hollywood Icons | Music Therapy
Have a suggestion for something you'd like us to have that you think would be popular? Let us know!
Bags (or Cornhole Bean Bag Toss Game)
Bags is a popular lawn game with many names, including cornhole, doghouse, baggo, and others. The game involves either two players or two teams that take turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end in attempt to score points based on proximity to getting the bags in the hole. One appeal to the game is that it does not actually require a lawn, and is easily played in the driveway, on your patio, or at your tailgate party.
The Library has one set of bags that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. During the summer these can be popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Set includes: 2 platforms, 8 all-weather bean bags (4 red, 4 blue), 1 carrying case
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Board Games
Looking for something to do with the family? Try playing one of the games from the Library's Board Game Collection!
What games we do we have? Checkout the list below. Just click on a title to view more information on BoardGameGeek.com, including photos, description, player count, age suggestions, and how-to-play videos.
Animal upon Animal- Apples to Apples
- Azul
- Backgammon
- Bamboozled
- Candy Land
- Catan
- Catan Junior
- Checkers
- Chinese Checkers
- Clue
- Connect Four
- Dominoes
- Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Duel at Mt. Skullzfyre
- Fairy Tale Fluxx
- Farkle
- The Game of Life
- Guess Who?
- I Spy Bingo
- The Ladybug Game
- The Memory Game
- Mouse Trap
- Operation
- Pandemic
- The Oregon Trail Card Game
- Pancake Pile-up
- Pictureka!
- Scrabble
- Sorry
- Tenzi
- Ticket to Ride
- Ticket to Ride: First Journey
- Trouble
- Uno Spin
- Who's Left: The guessing game (Nickelodeon)
- Wits & Wagers Family
- Yahtzee
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Ask for our board games at the Circulation Desk, or visit the SWAN Catalog to check availability or place a hold. Happy Game Night!
Bocce Balls
Bocce is a relaxed but strategic game that gained massive popularity with the influx of Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Today, bocce is a calming, competitive way to spend a few hours outdoors in the pleasant company of friends. The game involves strategic tossing of the pallino and bocce balls, and can be played by two players or by two teams.
The Library has two sets of bocce balls that are available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. During the summer these can be popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold. And don't forget about the beautiful bocce courts across the street from the Library in the Circle where you can play!
Sets include: 8 premium bocce balls, 1 pallino, 1 measuring device, 1 carrying case, rules
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Croquet Set
Croquet is a lawn game that involves hitting plastic or wooden balls with a mallet through hoops embedded in a grass playing court. It can be played by two or more people, or with two or more teams. Depending on the rules, it can be a relaxed, friendly game, or made into a more challenging, competitive contest. Either way, don't be an Alice and play with a hedgehog and flamingo, but check out a croquet set from the Library instead!
The Library has one croquet set available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. During the summer these can be popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Set includes: 6 mallets, 6 colored balls, 9 wickets, 2 stakes, 1 players manual, 1 carrying bag
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Dominoes (Double-Six)
Dominoes is a very old game originating in China, that made it's way to Europe through Italy in the 18th century, morphing as it went and becoming very popular. It is a tile placement game for 2-4 players, with the goal typically being to either empty your hand or score points as you go, both involving counting the dots, or pips, on the dominoes. The game has dozens of variations that can be played, creating countless hours of gameplay and strategy. While old European domino sets were typically made out of bone or ivory, you can check out a modern, plastic set from the Library.
The Library has one set of double-six dominoes available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Set includes: 28 white plastic color dot dominoes, 1 metal carrying box, 2 instruction sheets for playing 20 different domino games
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Table Tennis
Also known as ping-pong, table tennis is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table net using paddles. Popular the world over, it's even an Olympic sport. Don't have room in your basement to permanently keep a ping-pong table? Check out a table tennis kit from the Library and bring your wicked backspin to parties anywhere.
The Library has one table tennis kit available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 retractable net with posts, 4 paddles, 3 ping pong balls, 1 carrying bag
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Horseshoe Game
PERFECT FOR ALL AGES - A great classic game for adults and kids alike! Horseshoes is the perfect activity for a backyard barbeque, a family reunion, camping trips, picnics, the beach, parties, or even a rainy day. INDOOR OR OUTDOOR PLAY-- Designed with rubber playing mats and lightweight horseshoes, this horseshoe game is suitable for indoor or outdoor use as it will not damage floors or walls during games. EASY SET-UP AND CARRY-- The set is easy and convenient to set-up, and the mesh bag makes it convenient to carry everywhere. Check it out today!
The Library has 1 horseshoe game available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 horseshoe game (4 horseshoes, 2 rubber mats, 2 plastic pegs, 2 plastic stakes, 1 manual, 1 carrying bag)
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Juggling Balls & DVD
Juggling is an old, entertaining art of continuously tossing into the air and catching a number of balls or other objects, so as to keep at least one in the air while handling the others. It has been a part of storytelling, comedy, circus acts, and court entertainment for ages, and skill ranges from the simple to the complex and unique.
Intrigued? Then you must start with the basics. Check out a juggling kit that includes an instructional DVD from the Library, so that you can amaze and entertain your friends.
The Library has one juggling kit available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 3 juggling balls, 1 instructional DVD
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Ukulele & Instructional CD
The ukulele is a member of the lute family of instruments, and typically has four nylon strings. The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian adaptation of various, small Portuguese guitars, and spread in popularity to the rest of the United States and internationally in the 20th century. If you want to learn to "Tiptoe through the Tulips" like Tiny Tim, then check out a ukulele and instructional CD from the Library, and soon you'll find yourself "Somewhere over the Rainbow."
The Library has one ukulele and instruction CD available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 soprano wood ukelele, 1 ukulele bag, 1 tuner, 1 instructional CD, 1 chords reference card
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Bike Repair Kit
Taking a long bike trip? It's important to be prepared and have the tools you need to make it a safe and successful trip. Check out a bike repair kit from the Library to ensure that if anything goes wrong while biking, you've got the tools to make sure you're not stuck on the side of the road.
The Library has one bike repair kit that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. During the summer these can be popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 mini bike pump, 1 16-in-1 repair tool, 3 tire pry bars, tire glueless repair patches, 1 needle and inflation valve, 1 black bag
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
SkyGenius Binoculars
Are you a bird-watcher? Wish you could see your team better from the nosebleed seats? Or are you going camping or traveling and want some binoculars for better sightseeing? Check out a pair of SkyGenius 10 x 50 powerful full-size binoculars for adults, durable clear binoculars for bird watching, sightseeing, hunting wildlife, watching sporting events with low light night vision.
The Library has one set of SkyGenius Binoculars available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 pair of binoculars, 1 eyepiece cover, 2 objective lens covers, 1 strap, 1 instruction manual, 1 carrying bag.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Camping Chairs
Heading to the park for a concert? Tailgating with some friends? Going camping? Having a lawn party? No matter the occasion, if you don't have enough outdoor chairs, stop by the Library and pick some up.
The Library has two camping chairs that are available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. During the summer these can be popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 collapsible chair frame, 1 canvas seat
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Finger Pulse Oximeter
If you have asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases or medical concerns, you may need to periodically check your oxygen levels. A finger pulse oximeter is a small, lightweight monitor that painlessly attaches to a fingertip to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the body. While you can check one out at the Library to assist you with home monitoring, don't forget to consult with your physician.
The Library has one oximeter that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 finger oximeter device, 2 AAA batteries, 1 instruction manual, 1 lanyard carrying case.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
HappyLight Touch - Light Therapy
During the winter season the dark, short days can bring down your mood and energy. So can long indoor hours, office working conditions, late work shifts, jet lag, and sleep disorders. The HappyLight Touch offers a natural sunlight solution in an energy-efficient lamp, providing bright light phototherapy on dull days and throughout the entire year. It delivers intense 10,000 lux for increased energy, focus, & sleep, helping you maintain a happy, healthy and energetic lifestyle.
The Library has one HappyLight Touch light therapy lamp available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 HappyLight Touch, 1 AC adapter, 1 light stand, 1 instruction manual, 1 tips and tricks sheet, 1 carrying bag with protective insert.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Ice Cream Maker
I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! Want to learn how to make ice cream and try making your own funky flavors? Maybe you're hosting a party and want to add that fun, homemade touch of something unique? Check out this simple ice cream maker from the Library and make some delicious memories! Unit makes frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. Features include 2 quart capacity, electronic touchpad controls, digital display, countdown timer, and a super-fast run time. Ingredients NOT included.
The Library has one ice cream maker that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 ice cream maker (1 base, 1 freezer bowl, 1 mixing arm, 1 lid, 1 capitolo), 1 quick-start guide, 1 manual
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Kill a Watt Meter
Check out this easy to use meter that calculates electric usage and cost of household appliances to help you understand and reduce your energy bill. Plug in the Kill A Watt energy detector at your home or office, and find out exactly how much electricity each device is using. It also provides the ability to determine electrical expense by the day, week, month or year; and can be used to evaluate the quality of the electrical power from a utility company by monitoring voltage, line frequency, and power factor.
The Library has one Kill a Watt meters that is available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 electricity usage monitor, 1 printed instruction sheet, 1 efficiency savings guide sheet, 1 canvas pouch
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Fancii LED Folding Magnifier
Illuminate while you magnify. Equipped with 10 energy-efficient LED lights built into the frame of the lens. The lights provide an evenly lit viewing area, perfect for nighttime reading and use in low light applications. The lights run on two AA batteries, which can last for many hours.
Multifunctional folding design - When folded, it functions as a handheld magnifier perfect for reading newspapers, documents, labels, maps, crossword puzzles, etc. When unfolded, it becomes a handsfree magnifying lamp with stand; which is ideal for needlepoint, soldering, making jewelry, watch repair, hobbies and crafts. The lens can be positioned at various angles. The 4X auxiliary lens adds extra zoom for intricate details such as coins, stamps, engravings, and miniatures.
The Library has one Fancii LED folding magnifier that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 LED folding magnifier, 2 AA batteries, 1 instruction manual, 1 cleaning cloth, 1 bag
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
If you are looking for other items to help with vision or other impairments while you are visiting the Library, please look at our Accessibility page for more option.
LightKeeper Pro
Do you get frustrated having to buy a new string of lights every holiday season? The LightKeeper Pro can help prevent this. Defective Bulb shunts cause most light set failures. Simply plug your LightKeeper Pro into the light set and pull the trigger. The LightKeeper Pro sends a pulse through the light set, finds the bad bulb, and fixes the shunt—allowing the light set to work properly.
The Library has one LightKeeper Pro that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 lightkeeper pro , 3 alkaline 1.5 volt batteries, 1 instruction manual, 1 carrying bag.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
RM Ricomax Metal Detector
Are you interested in being a treasure hunter, but aren't sure if you're willing to buy a metal detector? Check out one from the Library and give it a try. The Library's metal detector has a 10" waterproof search coil, an LCD control box, various search modes, P/P function, distinctive audio prompts, and a headphone jack for use in a noisy environment. Happy hunting!
The Library has one RM Ricomax Metal Detector that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 metal detector, 1 folding shovel, 1 instruction manual, 1 carrying bag with strap.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
3DFitBud Step Counter
The simplest way to track your steps and be more ACTIVE - your motivator in achieving your fitness goals. Designed with simplicity and ease of use for everyone that wants an accurate Step Counting 3D Pedometer. No Bluetooth, downloads or smartphone connections required. With it's simple single step counting function you can view your step record on the move.
Check one out from the Library and start counting your steps today.
The purchase of these items were made possible by an AgeOptions Grant.
The Library has two 3DFitBud Step Counters that are available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 3DFitBud step counter, 1 hip clip, 1 instruction manual, 1 lanyard, 1 bag
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
National Geographic Telescope
Inspired by the recent anniversary of the moon landing? It can be difficult to star gaze in a suburban area, so why not check out a telescope from the Library so that you can better get a look at our moon, neighbor planets, and celestial events that happen. From the National Geographic series, the Explorer 114PH Telescope is a perfect portal into the realm of deep sky observation. Offering a 114mm aperture and a 500mm focal length, the telescope comes with two Plossl eyepieces that produce images with excellent definition and contrast. The set also includes an adjustable tripod, a red dot viewfinder and smart phone adapter for capturing picture on your cell phone, downloadable computer software and a star map.
The Library has one National Geographic Explorer 114PH Telescope that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 telescope with 114mm objective lens, 1 tripod with accessory tray and pan-tilt mount, 1 9.7mm eyepiece, 1 26mm eyepiece, 1 2x barlow lens, 1 smart phone adapter, 1 instruction manual, 1 carrying bag.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Pilot Speech Translator Earbuds
Heading off to see the world and but don't want to learn a new language? Or maybe you've got a relative visiting and you wish you had a translator so there wasn't awkward silence? Now you can check out a pair of Pilot Speech Translator Earbuds at the Library so that you can bridge those language barriers and make more meaningful connections, whether home or abroad.
The Pilot Speech Translator is sleek and specially designed earbuds built to capture speech with high definition clarity for accurate translation. With Bluetooth technology to connect to the required Pilot Speech Translator app (Apple iOS or Google Play), these earbuds can help you translate 15 different languages. Use solo to understand a tour guide, movie, etc., or share with someone so that you can have a conversation. Once the app and earbuds are paired, you can listen as words are translated right into your ear, as well as transcribed text on your screen. The earbuds have up to four hours of battery life, with up to 16 additional hours with the portable charging case. Visit Waverly Labs to find out more.
The Library has one set of Pilot Speech Translator Earbuds that is available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 2 pilot earbuds, 1 earbuds case, 1 charging cord, 1 user manual
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Camera
Remember the good ol' days of using your Polaroid camera and waving the photo around while waiting for it to develop? Everything old is new again! Now you can check out a Fujifilm Instax Camera from the Library and get nostalgic by taking instant photos at your party, event, or vacation. Features include a stylish, retro design that offers a full range of camera functions. Featuring a variety of new shooting modes, the INSTAX Mini 90 now includes double exposure and macro modes for users who want to express their photographic creativity with beautiful image quality. NOTE: Film is NOT included, but can be purchased here on Amazon.
The Library has 1 instant camera that is available for checkout. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 camera, 1 shoulder strap, 1 NP-45S rechargeable li-ion battery, 1 BC-45c Battery Charger, 3 instruction manuals
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Portable DVD Player
Going on a trip and want to be able to watch movies in the car, plane, or hotel room? Or maybe someone in your family is hogging the TV and you want to watch something in the comfort of bed or your favorite chair. Check out a portable DVD player from the Library and watch a video wherever you want! Features include a swivel flip screen, rechargeable battery with 4 hour life, SD card slot, USB port, and a break-point memory function,which means the DVD will pick up from where you left off last time.
The Library has one portable DVD player that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 portable DVD player, 1 remote control, 1 AC adapter, 1 DC car charger, 1 AV cable, 1 user manual, 1 carrying case
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Portable Blu-ray (& DVD) Player
Going on a trip and want to be able to watch movies in the car, plane, or hotel room? Or maybe someone in your family is hogging the TV and you want to watch something in the comfort of bed or your favorite chair. Check out a portable Blu-ray (& DVD) player from the Library and watch a video wherever you want!
The Library has five portable Blu-ray players that are available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 portable Blu-ray player, 1 remote control, 1 AC adapter, 1 car charger, 1 pair of earbuds, 1 case
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Region-Free DVD Player
Have a DVD from another country and can't play it on your TV because your player can't read it? Check out our region-free DVD player, and watch DVDs from any country and any region.
The Library has two region-free DVD players that are available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 DVD player, 1 remote control, 1 composite audio/video cable, 1 HDMI cable, 1 user manual, 1 carrying case.
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Roku Streaming Stick+
Do you love watching movies and TV shows? Do you find that you can never carry home enough DVD cases from your visit to the Library? Or maybe there's a show or movie you've heard about that hasn't made its way to DVD yet?
We have the solution for you! Our Beyond Books Collection now has 16 Roku Streaming Stick+ devices that are ready for circulation.
Whether you enjoy...
- Superheroes like WandaVision, Daredevil, or Watchmen
- Period pieces like Bridgerton or Downton Abbey,
- Fantasy like Game of Thrones, The Witcher, or Artemis Fowl
- Science Fiction like The Mandalorian, Raised by Wolves, or Lost in Space
- Kids programming like Sesame Street, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or Green Eggs & Ham
- Musicals like Prom or Hamilton,
...you are sure to find something to watch! With a variety of streaming apps and access to over 600 movies and TV shows that the Library owns digital copies of, we are confident that this is a checkout that the whole family can enjoy.
Please note: In order to use the Roku Streaming Stick+, your TV needs an HDMI input and you must have high-speed internet with a wireless router at home. If you do not have internet, be sure to place a hold on one of our hotspots to accompany this device. The Roku Streaming Stick+ can only be checked out by adult Elmwood Park residents.
The Library has 16 Roku Streaming Stick+ devices that are available for checkout. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 Roku Streaming Stick+ device ; 1 remote control ; 1 USB power cable ; 1 USB extender cable ; 1 power adapter ; 1 instruction sheet ; 1 bag
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Adults only. Elmwood Park residents only.
Thank you to AgeOptions of Oak Park for providing grant money that helped the Library to purchase several of these devices.
VHS to Digital Converter Kit
Do you have old VHS tapes that you wish you could convert to a digital format, so that you can watch some vintage family video, or enjoy those old episodes you recorded back in the day? Check out a VHS to Digital Converter Kit from the Library, and bring your old memories into the modern age.
Elgato Video Capture transfers video from analog sources (such as a VCR or camcorder) to your computer. The easy-to-use Elgato Video Captrue software guides you through every step, from connecting an analogue video source to capturing video as a high quality file. With just one click, you can add your video to iTunes or to your Windows Media Player library; you can play back the video on your computer or sync it with your iPad or iPhone; you can upload your video directly to YouTube; and you can edit it right away in iMovie or Windows Live Movie Maker. Includes a CD that contains software and driver necessary to use Elgato video capture as well as a PDF manual for using the device.
The Library has one VHS to DVD converter kit that is available for checkout. Ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 VCR, 1 Elgato video capture device, 1 composite video/RCA cable, 1 Composite-to-SCART adapter, 1 CD, 1 VHS cleaner tape, 1 quick-start guide
Loan Rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Video Projector
Need a way to project your presentation for a meeting? Want to take your movies outside to your backyard or the park? Check out a video projector from the Library and stop being limited by your TV or computer screen, and get a portable, big screen experience. Features include a projection distance of 32', 1080P HD video, multiple inputs, built-in stereo speakers with SRS Sound, and fast, easy setup.
The Library has 1 video projector kit that is available for checkout. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Kit includes: 1 video projector, 1 HDMI cable, 1 audio cable, 1 power cable, 1 remote control, 1 cleaning cloth, 1 lens cover, 1 user manual
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
WiFi Hotspots
We have become so accustomed to having internet available all the time, it can be a shock when we go somewhere without it. Now you can take the internet with you wherever you go! Bring it to the park, or take it with you in the car on vacation. Wherever you're going, check out a WiFi hotspot from the Library first before you leave.
The Library has over 30 mobile WiFi hotspots that are available for checkout. These items are very popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 1 mobile WiFi hotspot, 1 micro USB power cord, instructions in English & Spanish
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Adults only. Elmwood Park residents only.
Chromebook Laptops
This year has been challenging, and if you are home without a computer or internet access, it can be extra difficult. To help those in need, the Library is now circulating Chromebook laptops (along with WiFi hotspots - see above), so that while the Library building is temporarily closed, and even once we reopen, you can check out and take home a computer to get work done, play, and more.
The Library has over 20 Chromebook laptops that are available for checkout. These items are very popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 1 Acer Chromebook, 1 power cord (in 2 parts), 1 laptop bag, 1 setup guide
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Adults only. Elmwood Park residents only.
Computer Mouse
Are you checking out our Chromebook laptop, but aren't comfortable using the mouse trackpad? Then you should also check out a regular computer mouse to go along with the Chromebook!
The Library has 2 computer mice that are available for checkout. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 1 wheel optical USB computer mouse
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
International Travel Power Adapter
Taking a trip outside the U.S. and want to be able to charge your devices? Check out this power adapter from the Library. The plug setups include those found in United Kingdom, United States, Europe, and Australia, covering more than 160 countries. The adapter converts one wall plug into 4 USB ports and 1 AC socket. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 1 wall power adapter
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Memory Assistance Kit: Baby Doll
Alzheimer's doll therapy is a known resource in working with dementia patients. Using a teddy bear or baby doll can be a very effective way for a person with Alzheimer's or any kind of dementia to decrease stress and agitation. A caregiver can use doll therapy for dementia patients as a way to put responsibility, caring, and structure back into the lives of those afflicted with Alzheimer's. For more information, please visit The Alzheimer's Store.
This kit was funded through the AgeOptions grant.
The Library has 1 baby doll kit available for checkout. These items are very popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 1 baby doll, 1 article, 1 folder, and 1 bag
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Memory Assistance Kit: Hollywood Icons
'Hollywood Icons' features approximately 200 photographs focusing on the great faces that drew moviegoers around the world into movie theatres by the tens of millions. Use this kit to help flex the memory by sparking conversations about familiar Hollywood actors and movies.
This kit was funded through the AgeOptions grant.
The Library has 1 Hollywood Icons kit available for checkout. These items are very popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 1 book, 1 scene board, 1 oscar statue, 1 pair of elbow length gloves, 1 bag
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
Memory Assistance Kit: Music Therapy
Music therapy products work for patients with Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss. Music has been observed to relieve the stress, anxiety and depression of a patient as well as reducing their agitation. Research has confirmed the benefits of providing people who have dementia with music they remember. The restorative effect of music vastly improves the quality of life at home, mental well-being, and promotes independent living rather than relying on institutional resources. For more information, please visit The Alzheimer's Store.
This kit includes The Greatest Songs of the 1940s and 50s Jukebox Hits, spotlighting the hits released in those decades.
This kit was funded through the AgeOptions grant.
The Library has 1 music therapy kit available for checkout. These items are very popular, so check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
Sets include: 6 audio discs + 4 egg shakers, 4 chiffon scarves, 1 bag
Loan rules: 3 week checkout. Up to 2 renewals if there are no holds. Elmwood Park residents only.
