Tool kits now available at Lambton County Library branches

Patrons checking out home repair books at the Lambton County Library now can borrow a set of tools to go with them.

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As part of a growing list of items other than books available via the library’s 25 branches, six tool kits with screwdrivers, bits, hammers, pliers, wrenches and other hand tools now can be borrowed for up to seven days by anyone with an active library card.

The kits can be reserved online and delivered to a nearby branch within a day or two, said Kevin Coates, the library’s public service co-ordinator for collections.

“I’m always on the lookout for new things to try,” Coates said. “This one looked like something people could use.”

“Not everyone can afford tools or has room for all the tools they might need,” he said.

The Lambton library began building up its specialized collection about three years ago, and has been lending a few non-traditional items, such as snowshoes and pedometers, Coates said.

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“We’ve really started exploring more,” he said.

The approach, taken by many other public libraries, recognizes there can be needs in the community for additional items the library can provide.

Last year, for example, the library decided to try offering kits with basic items needed to try a new sport, Coates said.

“I got basketball, baseball and soccer, and someone pointed out to me, ‘You know, pickle ball is really popular. Maybe you should give that one a try,” he recalled. Pickle ball kits proved “very popular.”

Telescope kits are also in demand, but have a lot of small pieces and keeping them maintained and available to borrowers has been a challenge, Coates said.

Ontario Parks passes, available for up to seven days and providing daily vehicle entry to provincial parks, have been another winner, Coates said.

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“Those have been fantastic,” he said.

Coates said that when they look at adding a new item, they consider the potential benefit to the community, the cost and need for maintenance.

“I don’t think we’ll ever run out of things to try,” he said.

Yoto players are another recent addition, Coates said. The portable audio devices come in kits with a charging cable and plastic content cards that play stories and music.

The players are aimed at children ages three to 12 and can be borrowed for 21 days.

“They’ve been hugely popular,” Coates said. “We’re looking at expanding that collection.”

Other items available range from fishing and walking poles and binoculars, to e-readers, Huron Shores Area Transit passes, and wi-fi hotspot equipment.

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