News Summary
The Donald Dungan Library in Costa Mesa recently hosted a sewing class designed to enhance sewing skills among participants. Instructors from Orange Quilt Bee led the session, and attendees can borrow sewing machines to practice at home. This class is part of the Library of Things, which allows cardholders to borrow various non-book items. The initiative, supported by a $75,000 grant, promotes sustainability and creativity while enabling residents to explore new skills and reduce overconsumption.
Costa Mesa – The Donald Dungan Library in Costa Mesa recently hosted a sewing class aimed at helping individuals develop sewing skills. This 90-minute session, facilitated by instructors from the Orange Quilt Bee fabric store, provided participants the opportunity to learn new techniques and enhance their creativity.
As part of the experience, class attendees can borrow sewing machines using their library cards for additional weeks, allowing them to practice and refine their skills at home. This initiative is part of the broader Library of Things program offered by Orange County Public Libraries, which extends beyond traditional book lending by allowing cardholders to borrow a variety of non-book items.
The Library of Things currently includes over 1,200 items, from power tools and musical instruments to lawn games and sewing machines. This expansion has been made possible through a $75,000 grant from the California State Library, supporting the program’s development and related activities. Previously, when the program was launched last spring, it featured around 45 items.
Library patrons can borrow items from the Library of Things for a maximum period of 21 days, although due to high demand for many items, they cannot renew their loans. Cardholders must be at least 18 years old to borrow items and are required to sign a waiver. To ensure a broad range of community access, patrons are limited to borrowing just two items at a time, and reservations for specific items are not available.
The initiative aims to encourage sharing within the community, which helps to reduce overconsumption and waste. The philosophy behind the program is to allow residents to utilize items temporarily instead of purchasing them for one-time use. Libraries play a crucial role in catering to the diverse needs of the community, offering unique learning experiences, tools, and resources.
Future programming in the Library of Things includes demonstrations focusing on zero-waste living, plant-based cooking, and upcycling, further promoting sustainability and creativity within the community. The diverse requests made by patrons have highlighted the various uses of the Library of Things, including music digitization equipment and metal detectors, showcasing the innovative directions libraries can take.
Vickie Do, a Costa Mesa resident and attendee of the sewing class, expressed her interest in acquiring sewing skills to empower her children in upcycling activities. Such participants in the sewing class reflect the growing interest in learning practical skills and embracing sustainable practices within the community.
Librarian Ericka Reeb noted the significance of the program, emphasizing that the overarching goal is to purchase one item for the collective benefit of community members. The library strives to foster a sense of collaboration, creativity, and resourcefulness among its patrons, exposing them to new hobbies and opportunities to learn. With over a thousand items now available for borrowing, the Library of Things continues to evolve, serving an essential role in Costa Mesa’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Library of Things
- Wikipedia: Library of Things
- Orange County Register: Free Summer Places
- Google Search: Library initiatives in California
- Picket Fence Media: Orange County Libraries
- Google Scholar: Library programs in California
- Fullerton Observer: OC Libraries Grant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Library Services
- Orange County Register: Library of Things Update
- Google News: California Library Programs
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
