Our ever-amazing Cochrane Public Library continues to expand its library of lending with more outdoor equipment and a recently introduced wellness lending library.

The outdoors lending library now includes tents, tarps, hatchets, deluxe camping chairs, including baby camping chairs, first aid kits, GPS devices, and more.

In late 2019, they introduced the lending of winter outdoors equipment. It was a hit from the get-go, and, in particular, they were unable to keep snowshoes and hiking poles on the shelves.

"When we saw the response that we had to this equipment we knew we had to make it bigger and better," says head librarian and assistant director Andrea Johnston. "And we brought in, of course, more snowshoes and hiking poles because those have been extremely popular."

library tent lendingThe lending library even includes tents. (Photo/Cochrane Public Library)

They've also added more lifejackets for adults, children, and pets.

"We hope people send in photos of their dogs in the lifejackets. That would be so cool."

To make it possible, Johnston says they were once again fortunate to receive support from the Bow RiversEdge Campground Society and also successfully applied for a Bass Pro Cabelas grant.

The relatively new Wellness Lending Library has been made possible by a Rocky View County's RECreate Grant, Communities Choosewell program. 

"The idea behind this was to have resources and equipment available for our patrons, young to old, to have something to do while at home, especially during the colder months."

There's dodge tag, daylight simulators (Happy Lights), meditation kits, aerobic steps, a Zumba kit, yoga kits, indoor shuffleboard, ring toss, croquet, battleship, nutrition activities, and more.

There are also items for outdoor use, like a frisbee golf set.

"We wanted our bases covered. COVID has just been exhausting and hard on all of us, so we wanted stuff where patrons can choose. Do you want to go outside? Do you want to stay inside? Here are things that you can use to support yourself on a good, healthy mental health journey."

A full list of what's available to borrow can be found here under the "Books, Videos & More" column.

You then phone the library at 403-932-4353 to have items put aside. Snowshoes and hiking poles are available on a first-come, first-served basis because of their popularity.

Until the library reopens its doors, curbside pickup is available.

library lifejacketsLifejackets for adults, children, and pets can be borrowed from the library.