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September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! What can a Polk County Public Libraries library card get you? A lot more than just books! Did you know there is an extensive “Library of Things” available? Here are just a few of the items you can check out.

 

Board Games

The library collection has over 50 games, from classics such as The Game of Life, to children’s favorites like Yeti in My Spaghetti, to party games for groups of eight such as Unstable Unicorns. You can play a cooperative game like House of Danger to work together with your family to try to win the game as a group, or compete against friends in a cutthroat game of Splendor to see who can acquire the most glory and prestige!

 

Launchpad Tablets

There have been tablets for children in the collection for years, but recently adult and teen tablets were added! These tablets are pre-loaded with content, designed with a simple interface, and 100% secure. No wifi or internet connection needed! Adults can play sudoku and ESL learners can practice learning English phrases and spelling. Teens can play games or study for the SAT and ACT. And there are a variety of options for kids, with a focus on STEAM, reading, and Pre-K learning.

 

Cake Pans

Want to make a new baking creation without forking out too much cash for the supplies? Here’s where your library card really comes in handy! Check out a shaped cake pan such as a ladybug, train, or dinosaur. Try your hand at making donuts, whoopie pies, or cake pops. You can even check out a cake decorating kit, complete with decorating nozzles, couplers, disposable icing bags, and more!

 

Craft & STEM Kits

Try a new hobby such as needle felting or wood burning! Check out an exoEXPLORE backpack and investigate the nature around us with a trail cam, butterfly net, bugnoculars, insect-viewing box, and more. Learn basic engineering, electronics and circuitry concepts with the Snap Circuits Classic Kit or try coding with the Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set.

 

Health & Wellness Kits

These are being added soon, thanks to a Bright Ideas grant from the State Library! You will be able to check out a GoPro camera, outdoor games such as bocce ball and horseshoes, camping tents, a meditation device, fishing poles, river tubes, and so much more!

 

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.