Almost everyone has been to a library to check out books, but not many people may know that the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District also offers a small animal lending library where people can check out a hamster, guinea pig, or mouse.

Just like a regular library, patrons can check out an animal complete with a cage and food for $20 a week. The goal of the animal lending library is to allow children access to animals and care for them temporarily. This gives children and their parents a chance to care for an animal without making a long-term commitment.

If small animal lending libraries become popular, perhaps shelters may start renting out cats and dogs in the future. Now instead of going to a cat cafe, you can rent a cat for a week and care for it to see if you really want an animal to rule over your life forever.

To read more about the small animal lending library, click here.