We’re bigger than you think, greater than just books, and - with the arrival of our Non-traditional Lending Library – more comprehensive than you ever imagined. On July 2, we’ll be launching an introductory collection of unconventional borrowing items including board games, puzzles, children’s nature backpacks, and a tiebrary (exactly what it sounds like).
Now, what would you need to borrow a tie from the library for? Well, maybe: a job interview, wedding, funeral (it’s sad, but these things happen), or date (it’s sad, but these things happen). The idea behind offering a ‘library of things’ alongside traditional books, film, and audio is not necessarily to challenge what’s expected, but fulfill another opportunity to share resources within the community – a goal to which all of our programs and services aspire.
For individuals who haven’t updated their vision of the public library in the last decade or so, the entire notion of ‘renting’ odds and sods may seem random. Off topic. Perhaps even a little bit frightening (these people haven’t visited a library in a decade – we don't know what they can/cannot handle). But non-traditional circulation has been growing in popularity for years now. More than half of all libraries in the Niagara Region offer some version of a seed library exchange (ours has been going strong since 2017) and many have long supplied conveniences such as bike repair kits and fitness trackers. Larger systems often provide technological loans such as launchpads or laptops, while small and easily storable instruments circulate widely across the province (think ukuleles and child-sized violins – not the ubiquitous recorder of grade 6 music class).
Positive patron response to non-traditional lending libraries reflects a larger social consciousness to reduce unnecessary purchases and share available resources. For example, think of the last time you completed a jigsaw puzzle. What did you do with it afterward? Unless you're like us and it was an Aladdin skyscape circa 1994, you probably didn’t fame it for your bedroom wall as if you’d just accomplished some unknowable triumph. More likely, you just put it back in the box and moved on with your life. The box developed a thin layer of dust and approximately 11 and a half years down the road, you rediscovered its existence and dropped it at the nearest thrift shop. Creating a communal resource of single or limited use items reduces the impact of unnecessary purchase and makes more effective use of the products we choose to enjoy.
Another clear advantage is reducing cost barriers to families/individuals that may not normally be able to afford a variety of luxury/play items. It’s also a fun way to test run equipment/toys/games/gear you may consider purchasing down the road. Or an opportunity to try something new each week. In addition to nature packs and board games for summer fun, our collection will soon include activity kits with ‘retro play equipment’ such as tug of rope, potato sacks, Frisbees, and rackets. For those of us over 30, we can simply call this ‘play equipment.’ Our nature backpacks are geared toward outdoor exploration for children and will include discovery-based equipment like magnifying glasses and outside adventure titles like Put on Your Owl Eyes by Devin Franklin and 101 Outdoor Activities for Children by Fiona Bird.
Any of our non-traditional items can be borrowed with a valid TPL card in good standing (up-to-date and less than $10 owing), for a duration of two weeks, and can be placed on hold using our online catalogue.
