COEUR d’ALENE — Feel like flying a kite? Searching for treasure with a metal detector? Need a sewing machine?

Try the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.

Those items, and more that you would traditionally buy at the store, are available at the recently opened “Library of Things.”

“It’s a trend that libraries can offer more than books, more than DVDs and audiobooks,” said Michael Priest, library director. “We can house all kinds of items that are useful for people.”

A $1,000 STCU grant got things started. Today, in a small room at the library, a collection of items people may want to borrow for up to two weeks is gradually growing.

It’s a chance to check out something, say an electric drum set, you’ve always wanted to try, but were reluctant to spend the money, knowing you would probably soon give it up.

“We thought it was a good way to dip our toes in the trend and purchase the initial items and get things going,” Priest said Wednesday.

There are lots of "Board Game Things" like Battleship and Jenga. "Outdoor Things" include a disc golf disc and an Audubon birding backpack. There are "Creative Things" like brush-tipped markers, and "Science Things" like a portable projector.

And there will be more “non-traditional items” to come as the library buys items or they are donated.

The metal detector has been popular. Kite checkouts were flying high early on, and were even returned intact. Board games have been hot.

That yoga mat?

Not many takers.

“This one hasn’t been too popular,” Priest said, smiling.

The Library of Things is a nationwide movement that's been around for years. The Community Library Network has one and promotes it with the saying, “We Empower Discovery.”

Coeur d'Alene is catching up.

“Just thinking outside the box, thinking about things that people need, might have a one-time use for or, again, they don't own it but they need it for some project. It's a way to loan it out,” Priest said.

Councilwoman Kiki Miller said the Library of Things is a "unique and creative opportunity."

She said it may have challenges catching on, but believes it will benefit many, especially those facing financial challenges.

For example, she said "to be able to check out a sewing machine" would be a great option.

"I hope the collection builds," Miller said.

Priest said since it’s summer, they featured outdoors things to start. For instance, if you want to have a picnic at the park and play around, you can check out a ladder-golf set.

“Stop in the library, go to the park, bring it back,” he said.

Priest has a long list of wants for the Library of Things. It includes a PlayStation, drones, blood pressure cuff, GoPro kit, Podcasting equipment, telescope, ukulele, wrenches, thermal imaging camera and a laser measure.

No deposit is required, but the borrower must sign a waiver.

“We'd like things that are kind of useful but low maintenance, not a lot of cleaning, just so it's easy for us to check it out and then check it back," Priest said.

And that's a good thing.