Library of Things
MRL is pleased to offer a Library of Things which patrons can enjoy for personal use. The Library of Things movement at public libraries offers the loan of non-traditional materials for patron enjoyment which enhance lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and which are available free of charge and equitably to all library patrons in good standing. Please note the checkout and usage guidelines of each item in MRL's Library of Things below:
American Shakespeare Center Theater Pass: This pass offers patrons to book two free seats to two shows chosen by the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA, each season. These passes may be checked out in-person at library branches when available and are not eligible for holds or renewals. The pass will contain a discount code to any seat in the theater and will limit the pass holder to two free tickets in their transaction. Pass holders can either go online through the regular ticket buying process and enter the code during checkout, or visit the box office and present the pass. The pass will be valid for performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.
Community Gear Library (CGL): is an independently run nonprofit that partners with MRL to lend outdoor gear to library patrons, free of charge. Items available through the Community Gear Library will include tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, cook kits, and child backpack carriers. Family Camping Kits, which come with items a family would need to camp for a weekend, will also be available. CGL items may be borrowed in-person at Central Library during regular operating hours. Items may be checked out for a one-week use period and are not renewable. Community Gear Library items are the property of the CGL and may not be put on hold through the MRL catalog or delivered to other MRL branch locations. To qualify to borrow CGL items, interested borrowers must have a current MRL card and attend "Gear Library 101" orientation classes, led by CGL staff. During the class, users will be shown how to set up tents, use camping stoves, and learn about local camping and hiking areas. Attendees will also gain an understanding of the expectations for borrowing, usage, and return of CGL items. Interested community members can sign up for the required orientation by emailing CommunityGearLibrary@gmail.com.
Early Literacy Kits: Designed to help parents and caregivers of children aged 0-3, these kits encourage learning and practice across the five areas of successful early childhood development. Themed kits, "Colors," "Counting," and "Alphabet," each contain materials to help caregivers read, sing, play, and discover including books, interactives, and puzzles. These kits are designed to complement the five principles of The Basics: five fun, simple, and powerful ways to help all our children aged 0-3 grow to be happy and smart. FOr more information, see https://toolkit.thebasics.org/media/19096/five-basics-one-pager-final-2718.pdf. Each kit is available for checkout at every branch.
Explore More Discovery Museum Pass: Enjoy this guest pass to Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg. Pass allows free admission for 6 people and may be checked out for two weeks. These passes may be checked out in-person at library branches when available and are not eligible for holds or renewals.
Frontier Culture Museum Pass: Enjoy this guest pass to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, VA. Pass allows free admission for six people and may be checked out for two weeks. These passes may be checked out in person at library branches when available and are not eligible for holds or renewals.
Memory Kits: Memory Kits are ideal for those living with memory loss and the loved ones who care for them. There are three different kits of borrow: a caregiver tote, a puzzles and games tote, and a sensory tote. Kits may be checked out at the Central Library with your library card, when available, or can be placed on hold and delivered to any MRL branch. Kits can be borrowed for two weeks per use.
Seed Library (Central Library, Page Public Library, and North River Library): MRL's Seed Libraries are self-service stations located at Central Library in Harrisonburg in the Reference Department on the second floor; Page Public Library in Luray; and North River Library in Bridgewater. Plan your garden by taking what you need or donate seeds from your harvest for others to enjoy. The Central Library Seed Garden is partnership with JMU Libraries, who have an additional location on the JMU Campus.
Virginia State Park Nature Backpacks: include a parking pass for free parking and entrance to all Virginia State Parks, various pocket naturalist guides to plants and animals, guides to the state parks, and various recreational and educational tools to maximize your fun at a Virginia State park. Presented in partnership from Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Science Museum of Virginia, Library of Virginia, Institute of Museum and Library Service.
Western Slope Trail Pass: We invite you to bike, run, or walk with this guest pass to The Massanutten Western Slope Trails. The parking pass (one car per pass) offers access to 32 incredible miles of trails on more than 800 mountainous acres. The guest pass is available thanks to the Shenandoah Valley Bike Coalition. Included is a map of the trails and a QR code to sign the necessary online waiver. Passes are available for in-person checkout at the Central Library for up to two weeks, and are not available for holds or renewals. For more information on the trails, see https://svbcoalition.org/western-slope-trails/
