Detecting something other than books at the library
Speaking of libraries and services they offer you might not expect... The Bethlehem Public Library recently announced that it has metal detectors (and other tech items) that can be borrowed. Press release blurbage (emphasis added):
Turn a day at the park into a treasure hunt with a full-size, top-of-the-line metal detector with submersible search coil and optional 4-inch gold nugget coil. A youth-sized version that is easy for children to carry and use is also available. Metal detectors must be checked out and returned to Bethlehem Public Library and can be borrowed for seven days at a time. Patrons are responsible for providing two 9-volt batteries for operation.
The metal detectors are the latest addition to BPL's special collection, which includes GoPro cameras, telescopes and digital slide scanners. Many of those items have been underwritten by the Friends of the Library.
This reminded us that the Albany Public Library has fishing poles you can check out. And late last year it started testing a program for loaning out tablets. [TU]
Apparently, this sort of non-book lending is a bit of national trend, as libraries around the nation have branched out into lending items such as tools and musical instruments. [Fast Company]
photo via Bethlehem Public Library
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Comments
Appropriate soundtrack (The Figgs): https://youtu.be/uhZE56bmU5o
... said grandmastergus on May 18, 2016 at 7:14 PM | link
Actually, libraries lending atypical items is nothing new. Various libraries that I worked for or with in New England loaned diverse items - from cake pans to pets (they no longer lend hamsters in Rhode Island, for reasons that quickly became clear to the people caring for the hamsters in between circs). For more information on atypical circulating collections take a look at this PLA article: http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2012/11/can-i-check-this-out-circulating-collections-beyond-books-cds-and-dvds/
... said Jenna Pitera on May 19, 2016 at 8:49 AM | link
@Jenna -- what a brilliant idea -- a lending library for cake pans and other cooking equipment used only occasionally.
... said chrisck on May 19, 2016 at 11:55 AM | link