What does your library lend?

   While traditionally libraries loan books, cd,s DVDs. and audio books, many libraries offer more non- traditional items to their patrons.   Our library has offered ( in the springtime)  fishing poles and tackle boxes for young people under the age of 16. ( In NY, children under 16 do not need a license)

  Many other libraries  offer: telescopes, microscopes, spinning wheels, seeds, and ebook readers.
In the past I have lived in places where they also loaned art works.

 Is there any thing special that your library  allows to be borrowed??( tools, artifacts, toys, ?)
Comment here! Please leave some ideas below to we can share what other public libraries have to offer!

Ficiotn -L Books Lists

  FicitonL is an electronic mailing list that is devoted to Readers Advisory topics.  There are book lists, book discussions, bibliographies, and a wide variety of library related topics.

  This site was developed for librarians dealing with readers requests for good reads.  Created by the staff of the Morton Grove Public Library,( Morton Grove, IL) this is a great service to librarians and staff.

  Subscribers can receive  single or many messages when a posting appears. There is an archive of postings available which dates back to the beginning of the fiction L list.

  I have used this listing to see  titles listing of different genres, author listings, and also  character listings when a question arises about  books with certain types of characters.

   Fiction L

Library Policies

    So you have your mission statement and your goals and objectives.  What policies do you have in printed form?
   You may want to get your collection development and book selection polices and procedures written and down and accepted by your Administration/ Board.
   Why should you have Written Policies? Sooner or later, if it has not happened already, someone (parents, patrons, administrators) will question  why you have a book or books in your collections.
   With theses policies( having been hopefully approved and accepted)  you can refer  the question to the written policy ( More information is in  The Organized Librarian)
  To begin your policy for collection development and book selection, think about whom your library serves. What kinds of information do they need, what types of books do they like to read?
  If you are not sure  or want to have an accurate picture find out by asking your patrons ( students, teachers , ect) through surveys, polls, informal discussions, and informal interviews.
    With your audience in mind, prepare your collection development policy.    By using inventory statistics,  begin noting how will develop and expand your collection.  What areas need to be expanded upon? What  formats do patrons and students want?
  This policy , when finalized, will specify subject areas to be developed , with other areas noted to be maintained and eventually developed. A time frame for development would probably be included,
Also there should be statements about how long the policy will be in effect and  when the policy will be revised and updated.
  This policy will help you in purchasing item,s The collection development policy will ensure continuity in selection and revision of materials for the library collection.