Equipment Library
We lend items supporting STEAM learning and much more!
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Equipment available for checkout to adults with a full-service Norfolk library card (those who live, work or own property in Norfolk or have paid an annual fee).
- American Girl Doll Kits
- Bounty Hunter PL Time Ranger Metal Detector
- Chargers
- ChromeBook Go
- Community Sketchbook
- Crochet Kit
- I Love Virginia State Parks Nature Backpacks
- Knitting Kit
- Wi-Fi Wherever: WiFi Hotspots
Available exclusively at Van Wyck Branch Library!
Collection consists of Addy, Melody, Luciana, Samantha, Kaya, Kirsten and Kit. Each kit contains a doll, change of clothing, carrying case, brush and the first book in her American Girl series. We welcome donations of new, like-new or used-but-in-good-condition American Girl® Dolls, clothing and accessories, including historic characters that can no longer be purchased.
Items must be returned to the circulation desk at Van Wyck Library during open hours (not in the book return). Limited to Norfolk adult borrowers. Borrowers must sign a user agreement.
Bounty Hunter's Time Ranger detector is a professional-level metal detector. Kit includes an 8-inch search coil, a 4-inch Gold Nugget search coil, a sand scoop and a carrying bag. Requires a 9-volt battery. Available at Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch, Pretlow Anchor Branch and Slover Library for a 2-week checkout period and may be renewed twice if there are no other patron holds.
Borrowers must sign a user agreement when checking out this equipment. Be aware that metal detectors may only be used for legal purposes; many public lands are protected by law from relic hunting.
Low battery? Check out a charger while at any of our branches! Each charger has Micro USB, 8-Pin Lightning and USB-C connectors. Chargers are available at the Circulation Desk of each branch and are for in-library use only.
Chromebook Go laptops with built-in filtered T-Mobile wireless internet are available to borrow only for use within the library for a two-hour checkout period. A Chromebook functions like a laptop and runs on the Google operating system, Chrome OS. Unlike Windows and Apple laptops, this means you do almost everything online, sign into your Google account, save your files to the cloud or your own flash drive, and run web apps instead of software programs. Some apps do not work on a Chromebook and printing is not available.
Fill a page of one of our Community Sketchbooks with your very own writing, images or other expression and share it with the world! Each Community Sketchbook includes a sketchbook, 1 rolled pencil case with sketching pencils, watercolor pencils, blending stump pencils, an eraser, a pencil extender, a color pencil brush and two sharpeners. Sketchbooks are available at all branches and come in Youth and Adult versions so all ages can feel free to express themselves
Includes needles, medium #4 yarn, a book and DVD for anyone interested in learning how to crochet. Click here Version Options
Equipment Library
Headline to view items you can borrow from the library.
There are many great resources online for crocheters including from The Crochet Crowd and Lion Brand Yarns.
This backpack includes a parking pass for free parking/entrance to all Virginia state parks, nature guides, a Port-a-bug field observation container, magnifying lens and a dip net in a handy backpack.
Available at Barron F. Black, Jordan-Newby, Lafayette, Larchmont, Little Creek, Park Place, Pretlow and Van Wyck branches for a two week check out period, and may be renewed twice if there are no other patron holds. Limit is one per borrower, although may be combined with one telescope, microscope, GoPro or binoculars. Items must be returned to the checkout library at the circulation desk during open hours.
Reserve a kit with needles, bulky #5 yarn, a book and DVD - great for anyone interested in learning how to knit! Looking for more instructions or inspiration? Click here to view items you can borrow from the library. Click here to view materials available through the library's subscription to Hoopla. There are many great resources online for knitters including from Very Pink and All Free Knitting.
fnConnect up to 10 devices to this battery-powered mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot. Share your data with other wireless devices! The hotspot works in any area covered by the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network. Available at any NPL location for a 3 week check out period and may be renewed twice if there are no other patron holds.
Available only at Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch at Broad Creek, Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch and Slover libraries:
The equipment shown below is only available at Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch at Broad Creek, Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch and Slover Library to adults with a Norfolk library card (those who live, work or own property in Norfolk or have paid an annual fee). Limit is one per borrower, although each item may be combined with one I Love Virginia State Parks Nature backpack. Items must be returned to the checkout library at the circulation desk during open hours and not in the book return.
- Celestron TetraView LCD Digital Microscope
- Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar Kit
- GoPro Hero Kit
- LimoStudio Table Top Photo Photography Kit
- Magic Fluke Ukuleles
- Orion Scenix 7x50 Binoculars
- Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
The professional-level Celestron TetraView LCD Digital Microscope is a touchscreen LCD microscope (40x to 400x magnification and up to 1600x with digital zoom) and 4.3" LCD touchscreen. TetraView features four fully achromatic lens objectives, a fully mechanical stage, a 4.3" TFT full color touch screen. A 2 GB SD card is included for the microscope to function, although patrons can use their own to save images from the digital camera. Prepared specimen and blank slides included. Power cord with option to provide own 4 AA batteries for field use.
Accompanying books: The Ultimate Guide to your Microscope by Shar Levine & Leslie Johnstone; The World of the Microscope by Chris Oxlade and Corinne Stockley.
Code-a-Pillar inspires little learners to be big thinkers by encouraging preschoolers to arrange (and rearrange) the easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations, sending Code-a-Pillar on his path. This learning toy encourages experimentation while developing important skills like problem solving, planning & sequencing and critical thinking.
Description, play ideas and apps available from Fisher-Price.
A GoPro Hero camcorder with accessories and My GoPro Hero Camera by Jason Rich.
Read the GoPro Hero Quick Start Guide or the GoPro Hero Manual.
Photograph objects for presentations, advertisements and online sales using soft and neutral lighting with a choice of four different background colors with this 16" x 16" light tent kit. The adjustable phone holder fits phone width less than 3 inches; phone or camera is not included.
Learn to play the ukulele using one of the three styles of Magic Fluke Company’s ukulele instruments. Each kit in a bag includes a standard cord chart and a tuner. Borrow an accompanying instructional book or DVD.
One pair of binoculars in a carrying case.
This kit includes a telescope, instruction manuals and a smartphone adapter.
This program is based on the New Hampshire Astronomical Society (NHAS) program. Watch the NHAS video on how to safely transport the 4.5 inch Orion Starblast Telescope.
Available only at Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch library:
The equipment shown below is only available at Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch to adults with a Norfolk library card (those who live, work or own property in Norfolk or have paid an annual fee). Limit is one per borrower, although each item may be combined with one I Love Virginia State Parks Nature backpack. Items must be returned to the checkout library at the circulation desk during open hours and not in the book return.- Automotive Fault Finder
- Bass Guitar Kit
- Birthday Yard Signs
- Bubble Machine
- Bucket Ball
- Electric Guitar Kit
- Electric Power Washer
- Karaoke Microphone
- Play Parachute
- Portable DVD Player
- Settlers of Catan
- Ticket to Ride
- Vinyl Record Player
- Yoga Card Deck
Indicator light on? This multi-function OBD2 code reader helps you determine the cause of the check engine light coming on, quickly read and remove diagnostic trouble codes, collection vehicle information, and other useful information before taking it to a mechanic.
Included in this kit are a Squier by Fender Affinity Series™ Precision Bass®, carrying bag, Fender Rumble bass amplifier, amplifier charging cable, Lulu home guitar cable, Fender guitar strap, Bass Guitar for Dummies 3rd ed., tuner and picks.
Borrowers must sign a user agreement when checking out this equipment.
4 waterproof signs with easy to install stakes perfect for celebrating your loved ones.
Automatic bubble machine with 2 speeds for all your outdoor and indoor fun. Does not include bubble solution.
Need a game for the beach or outdoor party? Check out this portable, lightweight set to take anywhere.
This kit includes a Squier by Fender beginner electric guitar, carrying bag, Fender amplifier, Lulu home guitar cable, Fender guitar strap bundle, Fender tremolo arm, Guitar All-in-One for Dummies 2nd. ed., Fender clip-on tuner and medium picks.
Borrowers must sign a user agreement when checking out this equipment.
Westinghouse ePX3500 electric pressure washer, 2500 Max PSI 1.76 Max GPM with anti-tipping technology, onboard soap tank, pro-style steel wand, and 5-nozzle set. Perfect for cars, fences, driveways, home exteriors, and patios.
Wireless Bluetooth karaoke microphone with speaker. Bluetooth connection works with most mobile devices.
12-foot play parachute with 12 handles. Perfect for group play that promotes cooperative play.
Perfect for long trips this portable DVD player with a 15.5” swivel screen has a built-in battery lasting 4-6 hours and dual stereo speakers. Can be connected to wall outlet for extended play or connected to your TV. Does not support Blu-Ray discs.
Need a game for family or friends game night? Checkout this 3-6 player game for ages 10+. Collect and trade resources to build up the island of Catan in this modern classic boardgame.
Need a game for family or friends game night? Checkout this 2-5 player game for ages 8+. Build railroads across North America to connect cities and complete tickets in this modern classic boardgame.
Victrola Revolution Go 3-speed Bluetooth portable record player with built-in speakers. 12-hour rechargeable battery allows you to listen to music anywhere. Includes carrying strap.
50 poses and meditations. Perfect for beginners, intermediate practices. Each cards give detailed instructions, benefits, and an affirmation. Pick just one card or select more from a provide sequence.
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