Branch libraries do a really
good job of lending loose
parts (books) that foster reading literacy. No reason libraries
can't use their well honed lending abilities to also lend
physical
literacy materials(aka sports equipment) . This is not a radical
new idea. In Western Australia most of their 130 libraries lend
sports equipment. And Australia’s Green
Party has allocated $9.5 million for libraries to buy sports
equipment. Lending recreation equipment will not only benefit
community members, but also our libraries, by giving them a new class
of “literacy “ materials to lend out.
“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”
Maine Library