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Cochrane Public Library launching Library of Things lending program

“Our tagline is ‘where will it take you,’ and the Library of Things can take you to numerous places. It’s pretty magical.”

COCHRANE— The Cochrane Public Library is launching its Library of Things program on Monday (July 27).

The lending library is full of items, from games and puzzles to power tools and gardening equipment.

For many people who only need an occasional item, the Library of Things is an affordable alternative to buying many of the items available through the program, said Andrea Johnston, Community Outreach and Program Librarian.

“I love the try before you buy. Board games nowadays are like $90 a pop. You can try them out here, and if you love them you can keep coming back,” Johnston said.

The Library of Things is available to anyone who has a library membership.

“We’ve had people sign up just because we have hard to get expensive power tools that maybe you need once every two years, like a tile cutter,” said Jessie Pepin, Community Outreach and Program Librarian.

Pepin explained that many of the tools in the library carry big price tags in hardware stores, but can be accessed by the public with the purchase of a library membership.

Johnston said that the program is intended to support the needs of the community and to offer Cochranites a way to access items they need while connecting with the community in a fun and safe way.

“It’s just a great way to support the community in their recreational needs, their educational needs. Especially in the era of COVID, just that connection piece is really important,” Johnston said. “Our tagline is ‘where will it take you,’ and the Library of Things can take you to numerous places. It’s pretty magical.”

To celebrate the launch of the program the two librarians were out in full costume on Friday (July 24), filming a promotional video.

Johnston dressed up as “Good Time Sam,” and Pepin, dressed as “The Flapper Girl." The duo competed in a tug of war, a sack race, and even enjoyed a spot of tea on the front lawn of the Cochrane Public Library to celebrate the Library of Things launch.

The video is scheduled to launch on the Cochrane Public Library's social media feeds alongside the grand opening of the Library of Things on Monday (July 27).

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