Catalyst Grant Final Report
“Adventure Bags”
Please provide a brief narrative explaining your project and its outcomes.
The Elbridge Free Library has a goal of providing new, creative and unique offerings to our patrons of all ages. We were eager to take advantage of the Catalyst Grant provided by CLRC in order to bring our Adventure Back Pack idea to life. We decided to create multiple, rotating back packs with different themes so families could check them out and take them along on their fun family adventures.
Our goal for most of our bags was to provide families with tools to get outdoors and connect with nature. We also wanted to appeal to our homeschool community base with learning and entertainment bags as well. Our themes included Survival Skills, Bird Watching, Star Gazing, Bug Catching, Flower Pressing, Fun with Snow, Montessori Learn Math, Montessori Learn to Read, Magician Bag, Artist Bag, and three “Busy” bags; Eric Carle, Pete the Cat, and Bluey.
This was a very easy-going project because our staff was so enthusiastic about our themes; we found we did not run into many obstacles. We have noticed that some of the smaller items included in the bags has been broken or misplaced; something we anticipated. The bags do required a thorough inspection during check in/check out to be sure all parts and pieces are accounted for.
We transformed a small corner of our library to create seasonal displays for the bags. The bags hang from the wall and have display sheets to preview exactly what is included in each bag. The same display sheet is also included in each bag to take home, so when patrons are returning their particular bag they have a check list of items to be sure it is all included.
What is the most remarkable accomplishment or finding of your project?
This project has brought so much joy and excitement to our patrons and staff. Children’s faces light up when they see how many things they can check out from our library. We are inspiring curiosity and providing the tools for families to learn together in nature.
The overall joy and excitement from our patrons has been very rewarding. We have patrons who come in and say “I’m so excited the star gazing bag is checked in! I’ve been waiting for that bag to be available while I’m here!”. So we know that our patrons are going through and utilizing each bag as it becomes available. So many patrons exclaim that they find it hard to believe such great and useful items are available at a library. We are providing tools and materials that patrons otherwise would not purchase at home.
How did your project differ from what you originally proposed?
We stayed very true to our original proposal. We may have switched up one or two of our proposed themes, but overall, we ordered and built almost exactly what we originally requested.
Please provide a brief summary of your evaluation activities and/or results, if available.
These bags are checked out on a very regular basis. The bag loan-period is one week with two renewals. Over the course of the year, the average bag has a circulation of approximately 10-20 circulations (keeping in mind that we rotate the display based on the season).
Casey Westby
Director, Elbridge Free Library
Are you interested in applying for a Catalyst Grant? Check out the grant page for the rules & requirements!
