When you look at your library card, you probably see it as your ticket to endless books and movies. But did you know that with your New Berlin Public Library card, you’re able to check out just about any material you can think of? At NBPL we have a large catalog of special collections. These non-traditional items are available FOR FREE, just like our books, movies, and CDs. Learn about these collections and see what new-to-you items you could check out on your next trip to the library.
Seed Library
Back again this year! Check out packs of seeds to plant in your garden/yard. Once the crop comes in, harvest some seeds and return them to the library for others to borrow the following year! Learn more about the Seed Library at this link.
Test & Career Prep Materials
We circulate test prep books and flashcard for a variety of tests! We have everything from ACT practice exams to AP flashcards, to LSAT study guides and Police Sergeant Exam review. Is there a test you’ll soon be taking that you would like a study guide for? Let us know and we’ll find one for you. You can find Test Prep materials in our catalog by searching for the exam name. These items circulate for 3 weeks.
Puzzles and Board Games
Spend an afternoon relaxing with an audiobook on Libby and a 500-piece puzzle. We rotate our puzzles out seasonally, so there’s always opportunity to find one you haven’t done before. Browse what's available by searching "puzzle" in our catalog, then use the filter at the left to limit by Type of Material "Three Dimensional Object (Artifact)" and Library "New Berlin Public Library." These circulate for 3 weeks.
If you’re tired of Monopoly or Yahtzee, we have a large selection of new and exciting card, board, and dice games for all ages! We also have the old standards like Uno and Scrabble! Why buy a new puzzle or game when you could borrow one of ours? Browse what's available by searching "board game" in our catalog, then use the filter at the left to limit by Type of Material "Three Dimensional Object (Artifact)" and Library "New Berlin Public Library." Games check out for 2 weeks.
Vinyl Records
We have your favorite albums – now on vinyl! From pop artists like Taylor Swift to composers like Erik Satie, we are continually adding more to our collection. Don't have a record player anymore? No problem! Check out our portable record player from the Library of Things!
Book Club Kits
Okay, not entirely different from your typical library faire, but still special! Our librarians have curated over 50 book club kits—fiction, non-fiction, classics, modern classics, and even books for kids! Each kit contains 10 copies of a book to share with your group, as well as discussion guides and materials. You can browse the titles we have available by searching "book club kit" in our catalog. These kits can be checked out for 6 weeks.
Family Fun Kits
Our youth librarians have curated kits for maximum family fun. Family Movie Night Kits check out for 1 week and contain a family-friendly movie, along with books and games that share a similar theme. Browse what's available by searching "family movie night kit" in our catalog.
We also offer themed backpacks stuffed with books, games, and other activities. Some of the themes include Road Tripping, Grandparent Sleepover, Hiking and Camping. Browse what's available by searching "backpack" in our catalog, then use the filter at the left to limit by Type of Material "Kit" and Library "New Berlin Public Library." These backpacks check out for 2 weeks.
Dementia & Memory Resources
Whether you’re caring for someone with memory loss, or you’re living with it yourself, we have resources that you might find useful. We have memory kits, 13-100 piece puzzles with pictures for adults, games, picture books for adults, and more. Ask a librarian if you need help finding these materials!
Library of Things
The largest of our special collections is the Library of Things. We have outdoor recreation items for every season, party decorations (like photo backdrops and light machines), sewing machines, a paper shredder, portable record players, gaming systems, specialty cake pans, and more! Is there a specialty item/gadget that you might only use once or twice a year? Check with us to see if we’ve got it, or maybe we’ll order it for our collection! The checkout time of these materials varies, but most are available for at least a week.