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SUNDERLAND — As libraries continue to expand their services into less traditional areas, the Sunderland Public Library is looking toward recreation through its new partnership with Adventure East.
The library is joining forces with the Sunderland-based outdoor recreation company to offer a program where patrons can check out kayaks in the same way they would check out a book. Library card holders can take out a tandem kayak or two single kayaks — donated by Adventure East — free of charge and take them out for a paddle on the Connecticut River.
Sunderland Public Library Director Katherine Umstot said the kayak loan program is a natural evolution of how libraries serve their communities by providing information and experiences.
“Libraries have always been stewards of information, but I think people are realizing information comes in so many forms,” Umstot said. “Education comes from experiences. Being able to try out a new technology or try out a new skill is something libraries can and should be involved with.”
Umstot thanked Adventure East and Brian Pearson, the company’s president, for donating the kayaks and the equipment accompanying them. She also thanked the town’s Community Preservation Committee and Town Administrator Geoff Kravitz for securing grant money for Riverside Park’s kayak kiosk.
“They have been incredible partners to us,” Umstot said. “I can’t express how grateful I am to Adventure East. … We would not be able to do it without them.”
In a statement, Pearson said the partnership is a great way for residents to use the recreation opportunities that are available right in their backyard.
“It’s wonderful that the town of Sunderland is prioritizing access to outdoor recreation,” Pearson said. “The town has also supported Adventure East getting up and running these past couple years, and this is a way we can pay it forward and continue to increase access to the outdoors in conjunction with their efforts. As a benefit, we hope that once patrons have an experience with the loan program, they will take an interest in paddling and join us on one of the many kayaking experiences that we offer.”
Sunderland isn’t the first library in the county to offer a kayak program, as Shutesbury’s M.N. Spear Memorial Library has been allowing residents to take out kayaks for use on Lake Wyola since 2014.
There are a few requirements to be able to take out a kayak in Sunderland. Participants must be at least 18 years old, sign two release forms, and check the weather and river conditions before putting the kayak in the water. Children ages 10 to 18 are allowed to use a kayak, but only with adult supervision. Boaters are also prohibited from paddling below the boat launch area, as the channels for the Sunderland Bridge have increased flow speed and could prevent paddlers from making their way back up the river.
Each kayak is stored in Riverside Park’s kayak kiosk and comes with a universal-sized life vest, a paddle, and a small two-wheel cart to help with transportation to and from the river. Kayaks can be checked out from the library for up to three days.
To introduce folks to kayaking, the library and Adventure East are also partnering to put on kayak safety courses over the next few weeks. The classes, which are open to adults over 18, will teach participants basics kayak skills and safety, and will include time in the classroom and on the Connecticut River. While no experience is necessary, folks must be able to swim and paddle without stopping for 15 minutes to participate.
The first class will be held on Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m. and the second will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. Advance registration is required and can be done on the library’s website at sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.
Chris Larabee can be reached at [email protected] or 413-930-4081.
