I wrote yesterday (dot #3641) about not purchasing a host of accessories in a quest to buy/own less. One way to accomplish this is through borrowing from the library. Libraries are amazing places that have learned while some things work well in a virtual format (e.g. digital books), there are other items that must be tangible in order to be effective. And so, libraries have transformed into repositories of things-to-borrow, including cake pans, tools, musical instruments, technology, puzzles, and board games.
The latest assortment at our library includes two new offerings: 1) fitness kits, and 2) nature exploration packs. Rather than purchasing exercise equipment you may never use again, you can borrow a toning kit, kettlebell kit, stability ball workout box, yoga mat, or cardio-to-go kit and try it out. Wilderness kits are themed around: rocks and insects, animals and birds, weather, and stars — all of which contain books on the subject, a compass, binoculars, and maps — pre-packaged in a backpack ready to go. For free.
If you haven’t been to a library lately or think of them as musty, stodgy places where only spinsters visit, you don’t know what you are missing. Libraries are one of the community’s greatest resources and one of the best examples I know of how to adapt to meet the changing needs of your clientele. You could learn a lot from libraries — and not just from what is within their books. Borrow their mindset liberally.
