As in GOT, Winter is here! We’re ready at the Cape Breton Regional Library. We have lots of books and DVDs for those who want to stay indoors where it’s warm. But, if you want to enjoy the outdoors this winter the Library can help you with that too.
The Library has a new program in CBRM that lends sports equipment, including snowshoes and poles for the winter and tennis racquets in the summer. Thanks to a grant from the Central Cape Breton Community Health Board, the Library has been able to purchase sports equipment that can be loaned out to individuals and families in CBRM at no cost. The snowshoes come in a variety of sizes for all members of the family.

Libraries in Victoria County will be lending out a wide variety of sports equipment as part of the Victoria County Active Gear Loan Program. This program is made possible through a partnership between Naturally Active for Life Victoria County (Est. 2011), Victoria County, NS Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage, and the Cape Breton Regional Library. Available in Victoria County only, this program will provide free access to this equipment through the Baddeck and Ingonish Libraries and the Victoria County Bookmobile. There will be adult and children’s skis, boots, and poles; reflective safety vests; various sizes of ice cleats; and snowshoes and poles in a variety of sizes. This equipment is being processed and will be available in Victoria County very soon. Watch for further information.

So why lend sports equipment in the Library? One of the main goals that we share with the Central Cape Breton CHB and with Naturally Active for Life Victoria County is that we want to help individuals and families in our community to be more physically active, thereby increasing the overall health of the community. To make the most of life, people need to exercise their minds and their bodies. By providing free and easy access to sports equipment, we will be promoting good health and making it easier for families to take advantage of outdoor sports opportunities.
There are a great variety of recreation locations for snowshoeing in CBRM and Victoria County. There are plenty of areas for families to get out and play in the snow, without having to travel far. These projects give individuals and families an opportunity to take part in outdoor sports, without the necessity of purchasing expensive equipment. So ask at your local library about the new sports lending programs. All you need is a library card, which is available free online or from any of our branch libraries.