The Staunton Public Library (SPL) and the Community Gear Library (CGL) are excited to launch a new camping and hiking gear collection on Sept. 16.
This new recreation collection will include tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, cooking kits, backpacks, and a child carrier.
After launching a similar gear collection at the Massanutten Regional Library, Harriet Flynn of CGL saw an opportunity to expand the collection for Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro residents. “We were so grateful when Staunton resident Ashley Cole approached us and offered her time to maintain a gear library in Staunton. We hope that the camping gear at SPL will be a great addition to the community and will provide outdoor opportunities to many people,” said Flynn.
Community Engagement Librarian Christine Dee is excited about this new opportunity for Valley Library patrons. “The Community Gear Library shares our core values of lifelong learning and accessibility, and we are thrilled to partner with them to offer quality outdoor gear without the financial barrier of purchasing equipment. We hope the collection will inspire residents to learn new skills and explore our area’s beautiful hiking trails and campsites,” said Dee.
Items will be available to borrow free of charge to permanent, adult residents of Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro with a current Valley Libraries card in good standing. The collection is the property of CGL and may be borrowed in-person at SPL during regular operating hours for one week at a time; holds, renewals and delivery to other Valley Libraries will not be allowed. Gear must be returned to an SPL service desk during operating hours.
Before borrowing the gear, patrons must complete a CGL-led information session in-person at SPL or remotely. During the sessions, users will be shown how to set up tents, use camp stoves, and learn about local camping and hiking areas. Expectations for borrowing, usage and return of the gear will also be covered. Interested Valley Library cardholders can register for an information session at: https://bit.ly/SPLcampinggearsignup or by contacting Staunton@communitygearlibrary.com
CGL continues to raise funds to pay for the gear collection. Support the CGL.
About the Staunton Public Library
The mission of the Staunton Public Library is to acquire, organize, and provide access and guidance to a wide variety of information and materials which help to fulfill the intellectual, educational, social, and recreational needs of all the people in the city. To do so, it provides a wealth of both physical and digital resources. Staunton Public Library is also a member of the Valley Libraries Connection with Augusta County and Waynesboro Public Libraries. More information about the library can be found at The Staunton Library Website or by calling 540.332.3902.
About the Community Gear Library
The Community Gear Library was started in 2022 by Harriet Flynn and Matt Little as an independently run nonprofit with the mission of increasing access and eliminating barriers to the outdoors for all members of our diverse community by providing information and gear.
For additional information about the Staunton Community Gear Library, please visit https://www.communitygearlibrary.com/staunton