More than 1,500 Hillsboro community members helped answer the question: “What should we add to Hillsboro’s Library of Things?” on the City’s Engage Hillsboro website in October and early November. 

The survey invited community members to help prioritize 41 potential items across five categories:

• Science & Art Tools
• Musical Instruments & Equipment
• Toys & Games
• Tools
• Kitchenware

Based on 1,515 community votes, the most popular items selected by the community for purchase in early 2026 are:

• Kids Telescope
• Document/photo scanner
• Portable PA system & mic  

These top vote-getting items will be available to borrow in early 2026. 

• See what’s available right now from Hillsboro’s Library of Things

“While we would love to offer all 41 items, our budget helps guide these decisions,” said Elizabeth López, Hillsboro Public Library Manager. 

“With $1,000 available to purchase new Library of Things items this quarter, narrowing it down was challenging. However, the survey results will continue to shape future additions as more funding becomes available.”

Thanks to the community voting, the Library of Things selector now has a clear picture of what our community wants most in the years to come.

Community Voting Results: What to Add to Hillsboro's Library of Things

• Kids Telescope – 252 votes received
• Document/photo scanner – 230 votes
• Portable PA system & mic – 213 votes
• Hedge trimmer – 161 votes
• Post hole digger – 151 votes
• Mini golf/putting set – 147 votes
• Induction burner & cookware – 145 votes
• Gardening kit for kids – 138 votes
• Toddler bouncy castle – 138 votes
• Kids percussion set – 136 votes
• Tiny piano – 130 votes
• Snowshoes – 120 votes
• Fruit picker – 120 votes
• Gardening hand tool set – 111 votes
• Electric guitar – 109 votes
• Birdcam – 104 votes
• Kids costumes – 97 votes
• Geiger counter & radiation detector – 96
• Tapestry loom – 92 votes
• Film reel digitizer – 93 votes
• Spice grinder – 91 votes
• Synthesizers – 91 votes
• Screwdriving & Allen wrench set – 89 votes
• Electric string trimmer – 88 votes
• Impact driver – 87 votes
• Electric chafing dish – 86 votes
• Hiking poles – 85 votes
• Lawn dart set – 84 votes
• Vertical rotisserie – 80 votes
• Yoto book player kits – 75 votes
• Electric spinning wheel – 66 votes
• Birdsong scanning wand – 59 votes
• Formaldehyde & VOC meter – 57 votes
• Boombox – 53 votes
• Pilers set – 51 votes
• American Girl® doll kits – 50 votes
• Nut wizard – 47 votes
• Cricket loom – 33 votes
• Batscanner stereo – 23 votes
• Putty knife set – 23 votes
• Drum carder – 18 votes

See what’s available right now from Hillsboro’s Library of Things