Ella Walter
Libraries have long been places where people can borrow books, CDs, and DVDs. However, some libraries are now offering a unique service: the ability to check out baking pans! This trend has gained traction on social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit, with people expressing excitement over the opportunity to borrow specialty baking pans from their local libraries. This service is available at various libraries across the United States, including the Ludington Library in Pennsylvania, the Akron-Summit Library in Ohio, and the Brown County Library in Wisconsin. Library directors, such as Sara Slymon of the Brookline County Library in Massachusetts, believe that offering cake pans aligns with the library's mission of fostering learning and providing access to quality items that patrons may not be able to afford or use regularly. This innovative service allows individuals to borrow pans for specific occasions or try out new baking projects without the expense of purchasing specialty pans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Libraries that offer this service | Ludington Library, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; Akron-Summit Library, Ohio; Brown County Library, Wisconsin; Brookline County Library, Massachusetts; Harborfields Public Library, Greenlawn, New York |
| How to find out if your library offers this service | Go into your local branch and ask a librarian what services they offer |
| Borrowing rules | Limited to 1 cake pan at a time per library card; wash the cake pan in warm, soapy water before and after usage and dry it thoroughly; return to the circulation desk, not the book drop |
| Benefits | Access quality items that you may not be able to afford or want to buy for a one-time use |
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What You'll Learn
Libraries with baking pans
The trend seems to have started with the Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, which gained attention on Twitter when journalist Annemarie Dooling posted a photo of its baking pan section. The collection includes specialty pans in fun shapes, which patrons can borrow, use, clean, and return for someone else to enjoy.
Other libraries have followed suit, including the Bristol Public Library, which has an impressive collection of 33 cake pans. The Akron-Summit Library in Ohio, the Brown County Library in Wisconsin, and the Brookline County Library in Massachusetts also offer this service. The Brookline County Library's collection was started by director Sara Slymon, who donated some of her own pans to get the collection going.
The Harborfields Public Library in Greenlawn, New York, also has a collection of 20 cake pans, including a "Bake'n Fill" pan, a teddy bear-shaped pan, and a Barbie-branded pan. The Hillsboro Public Library in Oregon has an extensive collection of about 100 cake pans, many of which have been donated by the community.
So, if you're looking to bake a specialty cake for a birthday or want to try out a new shape, check with your local library to see if they offer baking pans for loan. You might be surprised at what other hidden treasures your library has to offer!
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Borrowing rules
- Borrowing a baking pan typically requires a valid library card. There may be a limit of one cake pan per library card, as seen in some libraries.
- The borrowing period for baking pans is often around three weeks. It is important to return the pan within the specified time frame to avoid late fees or other penalties.
- Proper care and cleaning of the baking pan are expected. Users are usually instructed to wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly before returning it. Some pans may be dishwasher-safe, but it is essential to check the instructions provided by the library.
- Baking pans should not be returned through the book drop; instead, they should be brought back to the circulation desk or another designated area.
- Some libraries may have a limit on the number of pans that can be borrowed simultaneously, so it is essential to inquire about any restrictions.
- It is worth noting that the availability of baking pans in libraries may vary, and some pans might be in higher demand or more popular than others.
- Libraries often accept donations of cake pans to expand their collections. If you have gently used or unwanted baking pans, consider donating them to your local library.
It is always a good idea to contact your local library directly or visit their website to inquire about their specific borrowing rules and procedures for checking out baking pans.
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How to choose a pan
Choosing the right baking pan is essential to avoid baking disasters and achieve delicious desserts. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pan for your baking needs:
Material
The material of the baking pan significantly impacts the baking process and the final product. Different materials conduct heat differently, affecting baking time and temperature requirements. Aluminium is a popular choice due to its excellent heat conduction, but it can react with acidic foods, causing a metallic taste and potential contamination. Anodized aluminium addresses this issue with a non-stick coating, reducing the risk of contamination. Stainless steel is another option with a non-reactive surface, making it versatile and suitable for most desserts. Glass pans provide even baking but can be challenging to handle due to their heat conductivity; they are better suited for savoury dishes like casseroles. Silicone, on the other hand, is an insulator, resulting in longer baking times, but it's a good choice for soft cookies.
Colour
The colour of the pan also plays a role in heat absorption and conduction. Darker pans, typically made of steel, absorb more heat and tend to brown items faster, making them ideal for recipes requiring high heat and browning, such as puff pastry or pizza dough. Lighter pans, often made of aluminium, reflect light, slowing down heat conduction and resulting in more even baking.
Size and Shape
Consider the quantity you plan to bake and choose a pan size accordingly. If you're baking for a large group, opt for a bigger tray, but if it's just for yourself, a smaller one will suffice. Round cake pans are versatile and can be used for various desserts, from birthday cakes to cheesecakes. Additionally, look for pans with raised edges to prevent spills and mess in your oven.
Ease of Cleaning
Choose a pan that is easy to clean and has a non-stick coating. Stained and discoloured pans can be frustrating to clean, so look for stain-resistant options. Enamel-coated pans, for example, are known for their ease of cleaning, even when baking sticky treats.
Handles and Special Features
Look for pans with convenient handles that are easy to grip, even with oven mitts. Insulated handles can help prevent burns and make it safer to handle warm pans. Some pans also feature raised bottoms to improve airflow and ensure even baking. Double-layered and insulated pans help achieve a perfect browned exterior.
By considering these factors and selecting a pan that suits your specific needs, you'll be well on your way to becoming a baking maestro!
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Cleaning and returning
When it comes to cleaning and returning the baking pans, it is important to follow the library's guidelines to ensure the pans are properly cared for and maintained. Here are some detailed instructions for cleaning and returning your borrowed baking pan to the library:
- Cleaning the Baking Pan: Before returning the baking pan to the library, it is crucial to clean it thoroughly. Wash the pan in warm, soapy water to remove any residue, grease, or food particles. Ensure that you rinse the pan well and dry it completely before returning it. Some libraries may specify whether their pans are dishwasher-safe, so check their guidelines or ask a librarian for clarification if needed.
- Inspecting the Pan: After cleaning, inspect the pan for any damage. Ensure that there are no scratches, dents, or other signs of wear and tear. If you notice any issues, it is best to inform the library staff upon return so they can assess and address the problem.
- Returning the Pan: Return the baking pan to the library on time to avoid late fees or penalties. Locate the circulation desk or the designated return area for baking pans. Do not place the pan in a book drop unless specifically instructed to do so. Some libraries may have a separate area for returning baking pans and other non-book items.
- Proper Handling: When returning the pan, handle it with care. Avoid dropping or banging the pan, as this may cause damage. Carry it securely and consider placing it in a bag or protective case if provided by the library.
- Return Process: Depending on the library's procedures, you may need to fill out a return form or scan your library card to complete the return process. Place the pan in the designated return location and ensure it is properly checked in by a librarian or library staff member.
- Communication: If you have any concerns or issues with the pan, communicate them to the library staff. For example, if you notice any damage or unusual wear and tear, let them know so they can take appropriate action. Additionally, if you have any feedback or suggestions regarding the baking pan lending program, libraries often appreciate hearing from their patrons to improve their services.
By following these steps for cleaning and returning the baking pan, you can help ensure that the pan is well-maintained and ready for the next borrower. Remember to treat the borrowed item with care and respect, just as you would with any other library resource. Always refer to your specific library's guidelines and instructions for returning borrowed baking pans, as procedures may vary between different library systems.
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Why libraries offer this service
Libraries are a place where people can walk in and access items for free. Traditionally, these items have been books, CDs, and DVDs. However, some libraries now offer a diverse range of baking pans for loan. This service is known as the "Library of Things", and it allows patrons to borrow items that they may not be able to afford or want to buy for themselves. For example, the Akron-Summit Library in Ohio and the Brown County Library in Wisconsin offer this service, with pans ranging from bundt pans to "party pony" cake pans.
The "Library of Things" concept is not limited to baking pans. Some libraries also offer cooking supplies such as standing blenders and air fryers, as well as other items like camping gear, breadmakers, cookie presses, and even power tools. This service is particularly useful for items that people may only need to use once or infrequently, such as specialty cake pans or power tools. It also helps to foster learning and provides access to physical materials that can be used in conjunction with written materials like cookbooks.
The sharing economy has played a role in the rise of this service, with people becoming more receptive to borrowing items rather than purchasing them. Libraries have tapped into this trend, allowing home bakers to expand their repertoires without devoting money and space to cake pans they may only use once.
Storage and sanitation are two of the largest concerns for libraries when offering this service. Some libraries, like the Harborfields Public Library, store their cake pans on a shelf behind the circulation desk, where they are only accessible to librarians. Patrons can browse through a binder of notecards displaying the different cake pans and bring the notecard to the circulation desk to check out their chosen pan. Most libraries recommend that patrons wash the pan before and after use.
Overall, the "Library of Things" service provides patrons with access to quality items that they may not otherwise be able to afford or want to purchase. It also helps to reduce waste and encourage sharing within the community.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check out a baking pan from the library by going to your local branch and asking a librarian about the service. You can also search their online listings to see if they offer this service.
The rules for checking out a baking pan from the library may vary depending on the library. However, some general rules include washing the pan before and after usage and returning the pan to the circulation desk. Most libraries also limit the checkout period for baking pans to 3 weeks and allow only one pan to be checked out per library card.
Several libraries across the United States offer baking pans for checkout, including the Ludington Library in Pennsylvania, the Akron-Summit Library in Ohio, the Brown County Library in Wisconsin, the Brookline County Library in Massachusetts, and the Harborfields Public Library in New York.
