This page was updated April 2026.
The main branch of the Wellesley Free Library maintains over 100 items across a dozen categories in its “Library of Things.” Patrons can access this bounty with nothing more than a desire for what’s on loan, and their library card. Rather than go out and buy or rent useful and/or fun items—like a cassette to digital converter or puzzles or gaming systems—why not save money and borrow them instead?
Greg Peverill-Conti (Information Services) and Rachael Hobson (Acquisitions and Cataloging) of the Wellesley Free Library traveled to Lake Waban in spring 2024 with a slew of items from the Library of Things: night vision goggles, electro-magnetic field detector, thermal camera, a decibel meter, and more.
Their goal: to get to the bottom of Lake Waban Wiggler, Wellesley very own lake monster legend. Almost 90 years ago, multiple news agencies including The New York Times reported in all seriousness about a monster, 6o-feet in length, swimming about in the 40-foot deep lake on the campus of Wellesley College. As it happens, just one year earlier, the iconic “head and neck” photo of the legendary monster who reportedly inhabited Scotland’s Loch Ness, was first published. Perhaps the Nessie pic engendered monster envy at Wellesley College?
Greg thought it all sounded fishy and decided to do a deep dive into the story. We’ll turn it over to Greg from here so he can tell you what he reeled in. He and Rachael had a swell time at the lake and even produced a fun little video about their adventures.
Other cool “things” in the WFL collection
Assistive device—laptop stand
This useful device elevates your laptop off of a flat surface. This can be helpful for:
- Improved ergonomics: A laptop stand can help to reduce neck and back pain by raising the screen to eye level.
- Increased airflow: A laptop stand can help to improve airflow to the laptop’s components, which can help to prevent overheating.
- More comfortable typing: A laptop stand can provide a more comfortable typing surface, which can help to reduce fatigue.
- Increased desk space: A laptop stand can free up desk space by raising the laptop off of the surface.
Craft items—knitting and crochet needles
If you’re thinking about taking up knitting or crochet as the the weather turns colder, avoid high start-up costs by borrowing some supplies first.
Games—100 to choose from
From humble board games like Candy Land to more advanced and techy stuff like a handheld game console, the library knows how to have a good time.
Adult games are shelved in Library of Things on the second floor; children’s games are shelved in Children’s Room; new adult games are in the first floor display area.
