Unusual collections

Unusual Collections

Why?Expanding the collection and providing a more

‘hands on’ reference serviceOffering more choice for the customerTry before you buyCost prohibitiveOnly need to use item once or twiceGreat promotional opportunityAppropriate for each communityPartnership opportunities

Seed Library

• Currently at seven of our fifteen branches

• Complements library book/DVD collection

• New library members• Partnership with

gardening groups

Seed Library• The donor provides the seeds and provides

information for inclusion on the seed packet

• Seeds are packaged in seed envelopes with a Nundle Seed Library label and displayed ready for borrowing

• Seeds do not need to be returned but people are asked to save some of the seeds from the plants they have grown to donate next year.

Seed LibraryBarcodes for broad seed types are kept on laminated cards at the self check station and clients issue the seeds by swiping the correct seed card.

Seed library

Cake Tins

Knitting needles

Bike Chains

Bikes were always being left in the library foyer

Customers concerned they would be stolen

Installed a bike rack outside library

Purchased bike chains which can be borrowed

Do not need to be a member

Foyer clear, bikes safe

Port Macquarie-Hastings

Seed libraryExercise equipment – pedometers, aerobic

steps, stretch bands, weights, yoga matsUkuleles – currently have 15Coming – Raspberry pis

Camden / NarellanTelescopes• Based on the program being used at Ann Arbor• Partnered with the local amateur astronomy group –

Macarthur Astronomical Society – which provides technical support

• Appropriate for the community – Camden has an observatory nearby

• 1 month loan• Started with 3 but will soon have 4 more• 35 reserves within 2 days of launch

Coming soon – Spinners and Weavers equipment

Randwick / Bowen Library

Spark! Discovery Boxes • Science kits especially for 8-12 year olds• Part of Spark! Science Clubs• Created with the generous support of the Children’s

Discovery Museum• Cover various themes such as microscopes,

magnetism, astronomy, weather• Include activities, activity guide sheet, books and

feedback formComing soon to Narrabri Library

Overseas libraries

Philadelphia – Tie LibraryMichigan – Power ToolsRhode Island – Fishing RodsHarvard Library – Dogs - Shih TzuKing County Library – Kittens

Overseas libraries

San Diego – sewing machines (use in library)Arapahoe – gadgets – GPS, robots, Nook, ipad

mini, video camera, exploration pass (museums, etc.)

Ann Arbor – telescopes, art tools, art prints, games, tools

Discussion / Questions

What items can you think of?What is appropriate for your community?Partnership opportunities?Cross promotionRefer to other community groups such as toy

libraries or tool librariesStrategic plan

For further information contact:

Shiralee FranksInformation and Collections LibrarianTamworth City [email protected]