1-Create a starter library collection of recreation items to loan. Short of funds? Ask for Donations or skip to 6.
Starter Collection: Maine Model
“Our
Library checks out basketballs to
be used on the courts
near the library.
We also have Frisbees, jump ropes and hacky sacks
available to borrow. The
balls have been replaced many times through the years and have
resulted in much good will with the kids after school. When they (the
kids!) start bouncing off the walls, we suggest they bounce a
basketball instead. We don’t require a card, just
something of value like a backpack, instrument, cell phone, laptop.
This is never a problem because the kids are only too happy to off
load their stuff and let us keep an eye on it.”
link
Cost of a set of items for the Maine Collection:
Basketball $14.99
Frisbee $10.89
Hackey sack $4.00
Jump rope $1.49
These items can be bough from Amazon for $31.37. Shipping is free with orders over $25, or an Amazon Prime membership.
Have It Your way Model
2-Place a suggestion box at libraries
and/or online
suggestion form for additional items (Snowshoes
anyone?!)
3-The suggestion form should have a
check box to signify if item is special needs equipment
4-Many special needs items need not be
special, they just need to be available. For example Lego
or
puppets for autism, a hula hoop for the blind
or strokes.
FatBrain
toys offers ideas like these for many disabilities.
5-Based upon patron suggestions and
actual usage, additional items can be purchased
6-Items will loan for the day only. For
special needs people items may loan for longer periods.
7-Rather then store items in open
stacks, display laminated placards with pictures of items to
represent items are available, and store library
cards as “ security”, attached to the placard when an item is
borrowed
8-These placards might also contain a
liability
waiver statements if allowed under state law.
9- For speedy on-demand acquisition
items should be purchased at the branch level. If ordered via
Amazon Prime, they can be delivered in 2 days. These items may not be
part of the regular library catalog and will only be returnable at
the branch that loaned it. ( this idea does not preclude also having
cataloged copies of items)
10-Signage will let patrons know about
this collection, and about nearby parks where equipment can be used.
