When you think of the Barrie Public Library, you might think of bookworms.
In a sense, you can also now think of regular worms.
In partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and Ontario Power Generation, library card carriers can check out a fishing rod, reel and tackle box.
It's a program called TackleShare and it has been operating in Ontario since 1998 with the objective of introducing young people and new Canadians to the joys of fishing.
OFAH spokesperson David Rryrie says, "We have 140 loaner sites across Ontario. We hope to get people away from their computer screens and out in the outdoors. Its a fairly inexpensive hobby or it can be. In the kits we loan out there is everything you need to get a good feel for the sport including rod, reels, fake worms and for those under 18 a free youth fishing license to promote responsibility (adults do need an official fishing license)."
While there are no specific statistics on how many people who used the program might have later taken up fishing, Ryrie knows it's been popular.
"Almost 32,000 kits were borrowed in 2017 which is a 20 per cent increase from the year before. I know that is almost a 50/50 split between adults and youth. We also try to have the loaner sites located within a five- to 10-minute walk from a river or lake so its accessible to all."
There are 250,000 lakes in the province and 2.4 million anglers.
Ryrie explains, "No matter your age that first fish you catch is an adrenalin rush."
Marketing and Special Projects Coordinator with the Barrie Public Library, Melissa Foster says it's a very popular program which has been operating since 2014.
"People don't necessarily think of the library loaning out anything but books but we like to loan out lots of different things. It's about promoting literacy in any way. Maybe they borrow a rod and then read a book on fishing. It's about promoting skills, activities and hobbies. The patron can rent out the equipment for up to three weeks."
There are about 10 kits available at the main library branch at any given time through the end of summer.
For more information, click here.
