JS library that has the the ability to serialize/re-hydrate elements state
<p>I am looking for a component/framework that has the the ability to serialize/re-hydrate the elements, or UI components upon the next page view. Something analogous to <code>$.serialize()</code> but for an element's properties (examples: visibility,width, top, left ).</p>

<p>All the functionality in jQuery is there to do this manually,  but I am looking for a framework that has explored the problems/pitfalls of this functionality better than I have to date.</p>

<p>Server side I am using asp.net, but it is really the client-side functionality that I am looking for. I expect the actual state to be persisted in a cookie, or more persistent manner on the server.</p>

<p>I realize the functionality I am looking for is implemented in web parts. I am hoping get a light-weight framework to work with. I am not too excited about investing in web parts.</p>

<p>An example of what I am trying to achieve:
I would like to create a page with 5 to 10 divs, laid out in a grid-live fashion. A dashboard-like UI. there is a default layout, but users can hide some areas &amp; expand others to get the best view of the data that they care about. Aside from just divs, There may be other widgets: tabs, accordions, ect. They do not need to be, but lets assume the UI is powered by jQuery UI. The next time the user logs in, I should be able to restore the state of the page by the user.</p>

<p>Before I begin working on a custom functionality, I want to make sure that I am not re-building a wheel.</p>
