Offering more than just a quiet space to read, the Terrace Public Library’s inventory of ‘things’ presents an opportunity to think outside the box when it comes to resources offered by the traditional library.
Several plastic ‘markers’ are displayed on a shelf marked ‘Libary of Things’ close by the main entrance, each with a photo and short description of what is available. For a period of 14-days, library card holders can rent out any of the 69 items including a frisbee golf disc set, a pair of snowshoes, virtual reality glasses and copies of the Settlers of Catan board game.
“There is a wide variety, even things like tennis rackets you can borrow to use in conjunction to some of the facilities that the City of Terrace has provided,” said David Tremblay, head librarian.
The Public Library started building up their inventory and working with local businesses last year, according to Tremblay. It started by expanding upon their current collection of science learning kits lent out to children.
”We were doing some surveys about what the public might like to see their library do a couple years ago, and we got over 300 responses with a few ideas of different things they would want to take out,” Tremblay said.
With the amount of interest, they decided to expand their inventory and released most of the items in October 2017. The collection includes musical instruments repurchased from Sight and Sound, like guitars, ukuleles and hand drums, which can be useful for people to try before purchasing an instrument of their own.
“Libraries have always been a place that has had to adapt to the times,” said Tremblay.
The Library does take donations but asks the public to contact them beforehand about adding it to the Library of Things inventory. The full list of resources available can be found on the library’s website.
