Knowledge Base: Library Help

Kit Bookings

As a member of NLLS, your library has the option to request a "Kit" from us, to be used for programs, projects, and special events. You may also choose to request a kit to sign out to an organization in your community.

Kit categories include Storywalks, costumes, toys and puppets, STEAM resources, NLLS' Little Free Library, and library equipment such as barcode scanners for inventory.

Borrowing rules:

• NLLS requires one week’s notice for any kit booking.
• There is a provisional limit of 2 kits that may be simultaneously borrowed by one library. 
• Kits are loaned for 2 weeks by default.
• Libraries may request renewals for kits. Renewals are not permitted during the following blackout periods:
  • November break
  • Spring break
• Libraries may loan kits to organizations in their communities. In these cases, the organizations must have cards with the Institutional patron code and the kits must be checked out by the libraries in Leap/Polaris to those institutional cards.
• If a kit is returned with missing or damaged components over and above normal wear and tear, NLLS will charge the library for the market value cost of replacing the component.
• If a kit is not returned or returned requiring a full replacement, NLLS will charge the library for the price listed in the item’s record.
• If a kit is returned requiring cleaning to make it usable for the next patron, NLLS will charge the library $50.00 for the cost of the cleaning.

For the full NLLS staff kit lending procedure, please see the links at the end of this article.

Kits can be browsed and requested using the NLLS Kit Booking Tool.

Here is what you need to know:    

1. Complete Kit Collection
   All of our kits, including our STEAM kits, are now available in one convenient location: the NLLS Kit Bookings tab in the NLLS Libraries Microsoft Team.  
2. Browsable Tabs
   You will automatically be brought to STEAM kits, but you can browse and check the availability of other kits - including the ever-popular barcode scanners - by browsing the tabs at the top. If you have a smaller screen, you may need to hit the 3 dots on the right to see all the options you have.   

3. Availability Calendar
   The first tab is an availability calendar, which you can use to see upcoming bookings and whether your chosen item is available at the right time.  Use the up and down arrows to jump forward or back a week, or click on the date beside them to navigate a whole month at a time.    

4. One-stop shopping and booking
   Clicking on a card will take you to the "Request This Item" form, which asks you for all the information Tracy needs to complete your booking. Clicking "Send Request Email" will send the information to the ask@... email for you.  NLLS staff will get back to you on that ticket if there are any extra questions, then they'll create a booking you can see in the availability calendar. You are still welcome to send an email request as you have always done, but we're hoping this is more convenient.

You can browse our NLLS Kit Collection HERE.