Sunday July 29th, 2012 Unconventional Collections

On July 27, Thunder Bay hosted a group Nordic Walk as part of FinnThunder 2012. If you missed this event but are intrigued by the idea of pole walking (aka Nordic walking or urban pole walking), check out one of the unexpected collections available through the Thunder Bay Public Library. There are four sets of walking poles available for loan, which come with 2 poles, a pole clip, instructional DVD and user guide (with all material donated by the Glacier Ridge Retirement Residence and Chartwell Select Thunder Bay). Keep an eye on the Library newsletter for information on a fall workshop to learn more and try it out in a group setting.

If you haven’t worked up to poles yet and want to stick to traditional walks, you can borrow a pedometer to track yourself along the way. Using a pedometer can help you increase fitness and promote general well-being. Kits come with a guide booklet and simple instructions to help begin a more healthful way of living. These items have been made available through a partnership between the Thunder Bay Public Library, Ministry of Health Promotion - Sport & Recreation Branch, and Active2010. Materials were donated through the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

A different sort of pole can be borrowed in the form of a fishing rod, as part of the Library’s Tackle Share program. Young people 16 years of age and younger can borrow fully-rigged fishing rods and reels along with basic tackle (no hooks) from the Brodie and Waverley Libraries. All fishing gear was generously donated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Gear can be borrowed from the circulation desk for three weeks.

Other gear available at the Library includes the Big Boreal Adventure (BBA) guidebooks, maps and kits that are available at all four branches. The BBA is an accessible, nature-based scavenger hunt that is designed to “encourage people to get outside, explore, have fun with family & friends, and learn about natural areas in the city of Thunder Bay” (quote from the Big Boreal Adventure website). Kits include a guide and/or storybook(s), compass, magnifier, binoculars, and laminated instructions on making a compass. If you missed the most recent Family Day on July 21, there will be another one in August to look forward to.

With so much attention being placed on time of use pricing and trying to figure out when to do laundry or cook dinner it’s nice to know you can borrow an electronic energy meter kit. With the high cost of electricity, the Thunder Bay Public Library and EcoSuperior Environmental Program are offering a valuable tool allowing consumers to monitor their electricity use and make smart energy choices. Kits are available at all four branches and include an electronic energy meter, instructional leaflet from EcoSuperior and an owner’s manual booklet.

Unconventional collections such as these can be expected from public libraries across the country these days. The North Bay Public Library loans out specialty cake pans (great for holidays, birthday parties, etc) and the Greater Victoria Public Library has a large collection of video games available for patrons to borrow. As with all collections at TBPL, the walking poles, pedometers, fishing gear, BBA kits, and energy meters can be looked up in our online catalog or by contacting your local branch for more information.

Jesse Roberts