Check this out ...

By Tammy Joynson

While more than 2 million of the 4.9 million Queenslanders are card carrying library members, they may not know of or use the full extent of today’s libraries’ offer.

Case in point – my husband! He considers himself a lifelong library member, but only uses the library on the rare occasion when he wants to access a specialised book, despite being more aware than most people of the opportunities provided by libraries - due to his wife’s role in a library.

Recently, I found him signing up for a monthly membership to access e-books online. I leapt at him – “Not a chance.” I said, and his reply was “They don’t have anything I would want to read.” Cue the latest lesson in the awesomeness that is libraries….

A quick lesson later in how to access library e-books, he has amassed quite the reading list and put away his credit card.

iCheckout at Western Downs

Livingstone Shire Library lends iPads and Wi-Fi hot spot devices to community members wanting to improve their small business or broaden their children’s learning horizons.

Fraser Coast Libraries lets you borrow 10 to 20 toys for up to 3 weeks from one of their two toy libraries. A search of the catalogue will find puzzles, prams, pillows, pebbles, parking garages, pigs, plastic insects, pirate costumes, princess roleplay, police outfits and more.

Noosa Libraries invite you to try your hand at coding Dewey the NAO Robot. Download trial software for free and then book into one of the robotic sessions to test your skills.

Mount Morgan library in Rockhampton activities are on the program where visitors can borrow a range of sports equipment including balls, hoops, skittles, dumbbells, boxing kits and more.

Bundaberg residents can add a whole lot of fun to family get-togethers by borrowing from a collection of more than 100 board games. From memory matching games for youngsters to laugh-a-minute challenges for adults, there’s something for everyone’s entertainment.

Moreton Bay Libraries invite you to Experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through their Welcoming Place Collection for adults, teens and kids. You can borrow books, DVDs, newspaper, journals, static and digital displays and more.

What can library members check out at your library? Let us know, so we can help you share the love for libraries.