Libraries are known for their collections. But most of the time people think of books.
This successful collection has lead us to add other unique collections. Next, we added STEAM kits. This collection takes learning out of books and into the hands of our patrons. They all include several pieces that help add to the experience. These kits range from preschool with our “I Love Animals” kit that let our youngest patron see what it would be like a be a veterinarian for a day, to middle school students who can learn how to write code while using our drawing robot in our coding kit. Each kit includes games or hands-on learning, taking a subject off the page and make it come to life all while creating an interest in STEAM subjects.
We also recently added a circulating technology collection. Thanks to a grant from the New Mexico Humanities Council CARES ACT, we were able to add three mobile Wifi hotspots. This collection allows our patrons to use the internet from any location. During the pandemic, we had to close our doors and this limited access for our patrons. We offer wireless internet around our building, in our park, and in our parking lot but this only added limited access. Patrons need Wifi access anywhere their computer or device is in use. This circulating collection brings access to technology to our patrons and their needs.
Since these newly added collections have been a success, we hope to add other unique collections, for example: fishing poles, ties for job interviews, or unique baking pans. But, we want our patrons to let us know what collection would meet their needs best. We also hope to expand our unique digital collection by allowing our patrons to share videos, photographs, and create more digital collections for years to come.
