Beyond Books July 14-18: Discover Summer Fun Outdoors with BPL’s Library of Things

Every week, the Birmingham Public Library's 17 locations across the city offer much more than books, from fun activities to fascinating programs for all ages. This week's "Beyond Books" spotlight is on the Library of Things Outdoor Catalog, perfect for those looking to enjoy the summer sunshine!

🌞 Ready to take your summer outside?
Through the Public Libraries in Jefferson County (JCLC), including Birmingham Public Library, you can check out all kinds of unique, non-traditional items to spice up your outdoor plans. From classic yard games and sports sets to telescopes and binoculars, the Library of Things makes it easy (and free!) to add extra fun to your next backyard gathering, picnic, or stargazing night.

Here’s a peek at just some of what you can borrow:

📅 Library of Things Outdoor Highlights

🏇 Champion Sports Horseshoe Set.

Challenge your family and friends! This professional-quality, regulation-weight set includes four solid steel pitching shoes and two durable 24-inch metal stakes.

🎯 Croquet Set
Race your opponents around the course of wickets and hit the finishing stake first in this timeless lawn game.

🎲 GoSports Cornhole: Bean Bag Toss Game
A backyard classic for players of all ages, easy to set up and play anywhere.

🔭 Lunarscope : Tabletop Telescope.

 See the moon up close! Two eyepieces provide up to 90× magnification, perfect for lunar details and terrestrial viewing.

👀 Occer Binoculars
Great for birdwatching, hunting, or sightseeing. Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to focus — ideal for adults and kids alike.

🏸 Badminton Set

Serve, rally, and score in your yard or at the beach with this classic outdoor sport.

🁣 Triumph Lawn Domino Set
Take domino fun outside! Includes 28 oversized pieces for tailgates, camping, and parties.

🎲 GoSports Giant 3.5" Red Foam Playing Dice Set.
Supersize your favorite dice games! Soft foam dice with numbers that won’t fade, plus a handy carrying case.

⭕ GoSports. Giant 3' 4-in-a-row Game.
Be the first to get four of your colored discs in a row - horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

🌿 And that’s just the start!

For a full list of outdoor items and other cool things you can borrow, click here to explore the Library of Things Catalog.

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director - Birmingham Public Library