BONNYVILLE – With a simple scan of a library card, Bonnyville residents can now borrow a variety of high-quality sporting equipment from their local library.
The new Rec Equipment Lending Library was officially launched on June 8 at the Bonnyville Municipal Library.
A generous donation from the Bonnyville Wellness Coalition has enabled the library to establish its first-ever recreation equipment collection. The local group is a community-run program whose aim is to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of Bonnyville residents.
The library is now able to offer outdoor recreation equipment year-round that consists of basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, paddle balls, tennis sets and urban walking poles.
Future additions to the Rec Equipment Lending Library will consist of a family set of snowshoes.
“Bonnyville is a great place to get outside, no matter what season. We want people to be able to come to the library, grab a basketball, grab a set of tennis rackets, and go hang out with their friends and family outside,” said Bonnyville’s library manager Nicole Labrie.
“The infrastructure is there, our parks are great, so we hope that people take advantage of this new equipment.”
The new sporting collection is a welcome addition to the library's plethora of unique items available to borrow such as games, musical instruments, microscopes, a telescope and of course books.
Patrons can borrow the outdoor gear for one week using their library cards. Since library memberships are free, there is no cost to borrow equipment.
“The goal is to remove as many barriers as possible for people,” continued Labrie.
With the support of Bonnyville Wellness Coalition, the local library is working to remove financial barriers that prevent residents from being able to take advantage of all outdoor amenities and courts in the community.
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