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Want to snowshoe? Check out the library

For the first time, patrons of the Spokane Public Library can check out snowshoes from the libraries’ growing “Library of Things.” (The Spokane Public Library / Courtesy)
By Eli Francovich elif@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508

Want to go snowshoeing?

Well, head to the library.

For the first time, patrons of the Spokane Public Library can check out snowshoes from the library’s growing Library of Things.

“We wanted to really build out our Library of Things,” said Amanda Donovan, the director of marketing and communications. “As a way to, our goal and our mission is to create a community of learning and educate our community. And we think of the Library of Things as creating more well-rounded citizens.”

The snowshoe rentals fit into the library’s larger goal of accessibility. Snowshoes are expensive, as is most outdoor gear. According to the 2017 Outdoor Participation report authored by the Outdoor Industry Association, 32 percent of all those who participated in outdoor recreation made $100,000 or more. In comparison, 14 percent of participants made less than $25,000.

“This type of equipment is expensive,” Donovan said. “But if you have this equipment, hiking is not expensive, so it gets you outdoors in the winter without having to pay a lot of money.”

The library has 12 pairs of Gpeng Snowshoes with adjustable poles. The snowshoes are available in different sizes depending on user weight.

But they may be put on hold.

They are not available to check out as the library is waiting for liability release documents to be completed, Donovan said.

There is other outdoor-related gear that library patrons can check out. The library also offers:

  • Four birdwatching kits, included birding field guides, maps and binoculars
  • Four bocce ball sets
  • Three volleyball/badminton sets
  • Four croquet sets
  • Three disc golf sets
  • Two Kestrel environmental weather meters
  • Two National Geographic Pro metal detectors

For anyone interested in snowshoeing, the annual First Day hikes are coming up. The Friends of Mount Spokane State Park and the Washington State Parks will host a hike to the summit of Mount Spokane on Jan. 1. This is a difficult hike and is limited to 30 people. To register and for more details, visit goo.gl/mBp4h6.

An easier New Year’s Day option is a hike to the snowshoe warming hut on Mount Spokane. This hike is limited to 30 people. To register and for more details, visit goo.gl/rpTzDx.