Gary McKenna / Tri-City News
Sure, you can borrow books from the library, but how about a pair of binoculars?
The Coquitlam Public Library has added 20 sets to its collection, which can now be loaned out to cardholders interested in exploring the great outdoors.
The Acuter 10x42 binoculars are powerful enough to be used for birdwatching, nature hikes and even stargazing,” the CPL said in a press release. “In addition to one pair of binoculars, each kit includes instructions, a birding guide and a guide to the night sky.
Kits can be loaned for up to 14 days and renewed twice, provided there is not a waiting list, and are available at both the City Centre and Poirier branches. Only one kit can be loaned per library card and reservations can be made through the online catalogue by searching “binocular kit.”
The decision to add binoculars to its collection comes a year after CPL began making telescopes available for loan. Cardholders can get their hands on a Skywatcher Heritage 76 Dobsonian desktop telescope, which comes with a carrying case, two eyepieces (4 mm and 20 mm) and a copy of the National Geographic Night Sky of North America guidebook.
Executive director Todd Gnissios said at the time that the decision to carry telescopes was part of the library’s effort to become more interactive.
“People want to learn things in groups and they want to interact with it,” he told The Tri-City News.
For more information go to coqlibrary.ca or call the CPL help desk at 604-554-7323. Signup for a library card online at coqlibrary.ca/getacard.