Posted by Meredith on Monday, Mar 4, 2019
As more people opt for experiences over things, the Iowa City Public Library is pleased to present Discovery Kits, a collection of hands-on activities that allow patrons to “try before they buy” something new.
“When people are trying to start a new hobby, there’s an investment in the tools or materials to make it a success,” ICPL Collections Coordinator Anne Mangano says.
Sometimes the venture pays off, other times the bag of knitting supplies or gym membership go unused, with only a receipt to show for the efforts. Discovery Kits remove the initial outlay, as each kit has everything a patron needs to explore a hobby, have fun on a snowy afternoon, or try a different sport. For example, the Pickleball Discovery Kit includes a book about the sport, as well as a paddle bundle.
Thanks to the financial support of a $1,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Johnson County, the Library has 21 Discovery Kits available to checkout; 10 for children, and 11 for teens and adults.
The children’s Discovery Kits include the following: Hiking and Nature; Ukulele; Bugs and Insects; Board Games; Astronomy; Coding and Robotics; Bocce Ball; Cookie and Cake Decorating; Flying Kites; and Rock Collecting. The teen and adult Discovery Kits allow patrons to pursue the following: Pickleball; Explore Iowa; Bike Tool Kit; Disc Golf; Home Energy Efficiency; Birdwatching; Stargazing; Ukulele; Knitting; Crocheting; and Chess and Checkers.
Discovery Kits may be checked out for three weeks with no renewals. Patrons may only check out one kit at a time.
For more information, go to icpl.org/kits or stop by the Help Desk on the Library's first floor.