MIDDLEBORO — There’s more to check out at the Middleboro Public Library than books.

A range of items, from car vacuums to leaf blowers, laminating machines to bicycle pumps, can be borrowed as part of the library’s new collection “Sharebrary: Borrow. Try. Experience.’’

This gives the public an opportunity to borrow items that they might need only occasionally or to try them out before investing in a major purchase, said library director Randy Gagne. 

The new addition reflects the library’s goal to “encourage people to develop themselves,’’ Gagne said. 

By sampling a variety of items, people can “find out what their interests are and really cultivate those interests,’’ he said.

Some items could serve a more serious purpose, such as a mobility scooter that someone might need for a few weeks after suffering an injury or ailment.

Sharebrary is an extension of sorts of the current Funbrary offered in the library’s children’s departments. As the name indicates, the items that can be borrowed through that program tend to be associated with fun activities.

Snow shoes, croquet sets and outdoor family games are among the items that can be lent out through that program.

“I’ve always thought this was a good idea,’’ said Lori Salotto, head of technical services for the library. “Lots of times people want to try something before they buy it.’’

This new collection does not mean that books and other reading materials are being phased out.

To the contrary, Gagne said, the number of books and e-books being borrowed continues to climb.

But education comes in many forms and the Sharebrary offers another way to people to broaden their horizons, he said. Patrons, Gagne believes, “want to be able to apply what they’re reading in a real-life application.’’

Adding the Sharebrary fits in with that goal, he said. “We’re always trying to think of new ways to support the community.’’