Journal staff
Residents in Sarnia-Lambton now have access to fishing pole kits thanks to Lambton County Libraries.
Library card holders can access the kits — each containing a fishing pole and tackle box — which are free to borrow for up to seven days.
“Public libraries are increasingly adding more objects to their collections that allow people, regardless of age or income, to learn a new skill or hobby, or gain new knowledge,” said Kevin Coates, public services coordinator, collections. “Fishing is a great form of stress relief, provides excitement, teaches patience, and keeps you physically active.
“The Library is happy to help support this activity with these new kits.”
The kits, which also include lures, swivels, bobbers and hooks, come with instructions, and liability waiver; the replacement fee for a damaged or lost fishing pole kit is $60.
They will be available year-round, the library said, pointing to a new initiative from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry that allows residents to fish within Ontario for free, with no fishing license required. Cardholders are reminded to follow Ontario’s rules and regulations while using the kits.
The fishing pole kits are a part of Lambton County Library’s Active Living Lifestyle collection, which now includes Ontario Provincial Parks passes, snowshoes, walking poles, binoculars, pedometers, and GPS devices for geocaching.
For more info about rules and regulations for fishing in Ontario, visit the Learn to Fish Guide by the Government of Ontario.