Susan Sentz
By: Susan Sentz
As librarians we all know that libraries are so much more than a repository for books. We are a community center that lends items, holds programs and offers technology to just name a few of our worthy services. When I find myself talking to someone who has not been in a library in a long time I constantly find myself telling them that we are more than just books. The following libraries have been proving just that by lending nontraditional items to their community.
Mobile Hotspots
Now more than ever libraries are bridging the gap to help their patron’s technology needs. We see people every day in our libraries using computers and Wi-Fi to meet their daily needs. Many libraries across the state are going further and meeting their community’s wishes through lending mobile hotspots. Within the past year there has been a rise in the amount of libraries offering hotspot lending as a service.
Bethlehem Area Public Library has recently partnered with T-Mobile to offer hotspot lending. They have fifteen hotspots to offer that allow the patron to access internet anywhere T-Mobile signal is available. Bethlehem has found that these are the right fit for patrons who need internet while traveling, for schoolwork and to job hunt. Other libraries have found that these hotspots fill the void for those who do not have internet access or do not have internet yet due to recently moving. Whatever the reason these hotspots are an excellent addition to fit the technology needs of your community.
Museum Passes
Many libraries across the country offer museum passes to the local museums in their area and beyond. Offering museum passes are a way to help those in your community to visit museums they may not have in the past. The Lower Macungie Library recently began lending museum passes. These passes are to local museums within the Lehigh Valley and include the Allentown Art Museum, America on Wheels and the Liberty Bell Museum. The museum passes have been well received, especially during the summer months. Their hope for the future is to add more museum options to offer to their patrons.
Ties
The story that went viral a few months back was that of the tiebrary that began at the Paschalville branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. This tiebrary was created with its community in mind, that not everyone has the extra cash for interview clothing. The tiebrary is exactly what it states; a collection of ties for the community to check out to wear for interview purposes. The Paschalville Library’s priority is getting their community prepared for the workforce as their community has high poverty and unemployment rates. Along with the tiebrary the Library also has a Job Readiness Center with computers, Wi-Fi, workshops, and classes. Their hope is the tiebrary will assist patrons to complete their interview wardrobes and get that job.
Fishing Equipment
Some libraries have included fishing equipment to their offered lending items. This is a great way for adults or children to get interested in fishing without the initial cost that goes into the activity. Cary Area Public Library offers fishing poles and light tackle for their card holders and encourage patrons to obtain fishing licenses. Loaning equipment such as this allows patrons to enjoy the outdoors while at the same time gets them to know their local community.
No matter what you lend, keep your community at heart. Not all of the lending programs mentioned will work at every library, so base it off the needs of your community. Keep your patrons coming back for more services and they’ll be reminded that libraries are more than just books.
For more ideas on how to promote the Literacies in your library, visit the PA Forward Commons and be sure to add your programs to the database by completing the PA Forward Commons Submission Form!
Learn More:
Beyond Books: Why Some Libraries Now Lend Tools, Toys and More
Wi-Fi Hot Spots for Rent: How Public Libraries Are Changing with the Times
Sharp Dressed, Well Read: This Philly Library Lets Job Hunters Borrow Ties