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Sanibel library launches game loan program

By SPL - | Jul 27, 2021

SPL Gwyneth Cain and Olivia Cohen borrow video games from the Sanibel Public Library.

The Sanibel Public Library is now loaning video games, including Minecraft, Forza Horizon 4 and Spider-Man, for Xbox or PlayStation.

Anyone with a library card can borrow games for one week at a time, with the potential for up to two renewals, if another person does not place a hold on the game. More than 25 games are available.

Teens can also play on the Xbox Series S, which is located in the library’s Teen Area.

The new initiative adds to the “Library of Things,” where patrons can borrow items like cooking kits, birdwatching kits or mobile WiFi hotspots. Loaning video games is the latest pilot project funded in part by the Sanibel Public Library Foundation.

“Libraries, recognized as spaces for interest-driven learning and self-directed discovery, are ideal for the type of learning and discovery promoted by games,” Executive Director Margaret Mohundro said. “Borrowing can be a great way to test out a new game. You might discover a hidden gem like Rayman Legends or It Takes Two.”

SPL Over 100 dolls from around the world are on display at the Sanibel Public Library.

“Next generation job skills require digital literacy, creative thinking, critical thinking, the ability to seek information via resources, and teamwork,” Youth Services Librarian Deanna Evans added. “The skills that games help develop — digital literacy and understanding how systems work will become increasingly important in an environment where jobs and responsibilities are regularly changing.”

From now through September, stop by to see 25 artworks from the Sanibel-Captiva Art League’s exhibit, called “Home Sweet Home.” In addition, Jane Werner’s collection of dolls from around the world is on display through August; look for the dolls in the display case near the glass elevator.

Families are invited to register youths for the library’s Summer Reading Program. Officials reported that more than 300 participants from babies to teens have already signed up and logged over 104,483 minutes of reading. This year’s theme is “Tails and Tales,” with a special focus on animals.

Youths up to age 18 can register. They will receive a special gift; quantities are limited.

Summer programming is available online and Take and Make activities are available to pick up. The library is offering “browse inside” or contact-less curbside service for those families who want to check out books for summer reading. Residents and visitors are invited to sign up for the summer program.

SPL Summer Reading Program participant Finn Hussey earns a reading certificate.

This summer, Evans will post her Baby Bounce Time videos and storytime videos to the Children’s Page at sanlib.org/children. Page Turner Adventures programming is also available via the page.

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge.

Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

The Sanibel Public Library is open: Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit online at www.sanlib.org.

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.