Russell Public Library Director Jennifer Waldorf in the Library of Things, which is still in progress.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
RUSSELL — Need some new early childhood toys to try out? Want yard games for an outdoor event? Have a tool you need for one job only?
Library patrons can start borrowing things like this from the Russell Public Library’s “Library of Things.”
Library Director Jennifer Waldorf said the Library of Things is still in process, and new tools, small appliances and electronic items are still being added.
She said items for children and adults are offered by age group, with certain items available to 18 and over to check out.
Available now are crock pots, insta pots, a food warmer, projector, ice cream and waffle makers, and a cooler. Also available are construction tools in a bucket, gardening tools in a bucket, a drill, screwdriver sets and pliers.
For children there is a large flying disc, play parachutes, soccer, basketball, football and dodge balls. There are five exploration backpacks to go out and explore insects, pond and river, night sky, birds and plants, thanks to a partial donation by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Some of the items in the kits may be used up in the exploration, and will be restocked when they’re returned.
The library also has a telescope that may be checked out to 18 and over, along with binoculars, camping chairs, a folding camp table, a cornhole game and trekking poles.
For indoor play, there are early learning toys and games and games and puzzles for older children. Learning kits on bats, bees, the rain forest and spiders may also be checked out.
A complete list of items will be available once everything is finalized in a catalog on the library website at russellmapubliclibrary.com. Items may be checked out for three weeks in person at the library and returned in person to Russell Public Library. Although there is no inter-library of things, people from other towns may access the items by coming into the library, Waldorf said.
Waldorf has been leading the library for three months since the semi-retirement of former Director Dawne Piers-Gamble, who is still active at the library as a circulation librarian. Waldorf had previously worked at the library for over a year and is getting her basic librarian training certificate after a career in health information.
“Jennifer is doing a great job, and I’m glad she’s here,” Piers-Gamble said, calling the change in leadership a seamless transition for the library.
The Russell Public Library also officially became a member of CW Mars in January. Library card holders may now order a book at the library or online from anywhere in Western Mass. Books not available through CW Mars can also be accessed through ComCat, another program, if necessary.
Piers-Gamble said they have found since joining CW Mars that over 200 people in Russell were already members through another library, such as the Westfield Athenaeum. She and Waldorf are encouraging residents who don’t have one to get a Russell Library card and order the books through Russell’s website, which allows the library to get credit for the orders. “It shows Russell Library is active,” Piers-Gamble said.
Both she and Waldorf said the library is also doing a lot more in-person programming, such as a monthly craft night, which they both said is really taking off. This month, they will be making sourdough bread on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m, with sign up by Oct. 14.
On Saturday, Oct. 18 from 2-4 p.m. will be a historical presentation by Dr. Robert Kidd on industrialist, social engineer, gentleman farmer and philanthropist Horace A. Moses. Learn about his important contributions to Woronoco and Russell and the development of Strathmore Paper Mill.
Other monthly activities include a Tuesday night book club which meets next on Oct. 7. The selection for October is “Heartwood” by Amity Gaige, about a woman lost on the Appalachian Trail and the search to find her before time runs out, which explores the complex bonds between mothers and daughters. Sign up by Oct. 6.
This month, the Russell Public Library will also sponsor a family and communitywide scarecrow contest for display on the front lawn of the library from Oct. 23 to Nov. 21. The contest is free to enter and prizes will be awarded on Oct. 31 in five categories — best fall theme, funniest, best use of nature, spookiest (not frightening or gruesome) and best book-themed scarecrow.
Scarecrows should be no larger than 5 feet by 5 feet, and must be free standing. Register to enter the contest by Oct. 17 either in person, by email at rpldirector@townofrussell.us, at russellmapubliclibrary.com, or by calling 413-862-6221 and leaving a message by Oct. 17.
The Russell Public Library is located on 162 Main St. Open hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.