KITCHENER, Ont — Kitchener Public Library is pleased to announce exciting new items to encourage physical activity through play and enjoying the outdoors.

Library cardholders can now access a variety of sports equipment, outdoor gear and backyard games.

"Our goal is to really create more equity and access around these activities. Everyone should be able to pick up a game of tennis or go on a hike with a compass and binoculars handy. We know that there’s a lot of people out there who would like to try and learn these new things, but might just not have the opportunity, storage or funds to be able to." - Mary Chevreau, Chief Executive Officer, Kitchener Public Library.

Each of the items in the new collection were carefully selected based on community interest and needs. For example, tennis rackets are available at Country Hills Community Library for easy access and use at the nearby tennis courts.

See the new collection and more cool things you can borrow from the library.

New collection details:

Country Hills Community Library: Sports Equipment

Available for a 1-day loan, no holds. Can only be borrowed from and returned to this location. Provided in partnership with St. Mary’s High School.

• Basketballs (4)
• Tennis racquets – full-size (8 pairs)
• Tennis racquets – junior (4)   

Forest Heights Community Library: Backyard Games

Available for a 1-week loan, can be put on hold and picked up at any location.

• Bocce ball set (3)
• Croquet set (4)
• Ring toss game (4)
• Jenga Giant game (2)

Grand River Stanley Park Community Library: Outdoor Gear

Available for a 1-week loan, can be put on hold and picked up at any location.

• Wildlife kit (7)
  Each kit contains 1 pair binoculars, 1 compass, 1 pocket microscope, 1 Lorimer guide, 1 Grand River guide in a backpack
• Trekking Poles (4 pairs)

Pioneer Park Community Library: Toys to Go

The outdoor toys collection is back!

Available for a 1-week loan, no holds. Can only be borrowed from and returned to this location.