With parents increasingly expected to keep their kids entertained during school holidays, a new local resource is helping keep kids busy and have fun at a low cost.

Meet the Northern Beaches Library of Things or LoT. 

Brimming with toys, tools, appliances and more, the LoT is like a traditional library but lends out occasionally used and useful ‘things rather than books to its’ members (memberships start from $30 for 3 months, concessions available). 

Donated from locals who no longer have use or room for them, the things are all in great condition, professionally tested and ready to borrow through a click and collect system. 

Here are 6 ways to use the ‘things” at the LoT, to make this school holidays one to remember without breaking the bank:

The first family camp 

Have you recently received your first camping trip invite or are being pestered by the kids to try it out? 
Avoid investing hundreds of dollars of camping gear and use the LoT to road-test if yours is a family that enjoys this great Aussie tradition, or not. From tents to swags, camp chairs to beach shelters, back packs to camp ovens, eskies, portable fridges and foot pumps for your blow-up camp mattress, the LoT’s got you covered. 

Great Beaches bake off

There’s plenty of less common – and common – kitchen gadgets and appliances available for you to borrow. 

From pasta machines to ice cream makers, chocolate fondue fountains to popcorn makers, bread makers, food processors, blenders and mixers, slow cookers, dehydrators - why not schedule your very own Easter bake-off?

Party people

Throwing a kids’ birthday party or hosting an Easter family picnic in the park? Impress your guests with borrowed gear from the LoT! Want a portable BBQ and accessories, shade shelter or large umbrellas, decorations and stage lighting, lanterns, oversized platters, picnic and trestle tables, tea urn, karaoke machine, fog machine, outdoor games, and loads of bunting? The Lot can make your next gathering a sure fire hit.

Games for all 

Prepare for a rainy-day games marathon by grabbing one or more sets of traditional board games – think scrabble, articulate, chess. And puzzles – boy are there puzzles? 

With over 50 games and puzzles to choose from there is something for all ages.

Active Offspring

Road test your young ‘uns new interest in a sport or activity by borrowing from the LoT over buying sports gear or equipment. 

Fishing rods, stand up paddleboards, soccer goals and more. Or for a friendly comp, try coits, skittles boules, Finska, Kubb and more. 

Art and Craft 

Is your young one creative? Use the LoT’s sewing machines and overlockers to customise their clothes. Or try out the badge maker, use the staple gun and take advantage of a wide range of specialised art tools and equipment.

The Northern Beaches Library of Things at Cromer Community Centre is open every Saturday morning for inquiries and drop off and pick up of items. 

Or visit our website for more information and discover the array of ‘things’ available to borrow.