You can check out more than just books at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union public library.
The library is now loaning out bike, skateboard, and hockey helmets.
Chief Librarian and CEO Judy Armstrong says the city’s Community Services department applied for a grant from the Ontario SafeSport Helmet Initiative.
The grant allows the city to purchase the helmets and distribute however they choose.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit loans pedometers out at the library, and suggested the city loan the helmets that way too.
Armstrong says they have about ten of each type of helmet that can be borrowed by anyone who has a library card.
Armstrong says the initiative is about getting everyone thinking about safety first.
She says the idea behind it is to get everyone in the family to have a helmet on when participating in sports.
The hope is that when it’s time to give the helmet back to the library, you’ll go out and purchase your own helmet.
Armstrong says it also helps out those families who may not be able to afford proper safety equipment.
The helmets can be borrowed for up to three weeks.
Armstrong says each helmet is disinfected when it’s returned, and inspected for any cracks or faults that may compromise its integrity.
