No rod? No problem
Warning: Students who visit their local libraries in Maryland may get hooked on… fishing!
While you may have thought libraries are only for books and quiet spaces, they offer so much more. Thanks to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, many libraries now offer access to all the gear you need to get outside and catch your first fish.
Libraries are jumping into spring and sharing all the new opportunities the Library Loaner Program has to offer. Throughout the spring and summer, students and their parents have the opportunity to borrow all the rods and tackle they need from the library to get started on their fishing adventures. This is an exciting way to equip families with the fishing gear while also learning about the local ecosystem.
Through the Library Loaner Program, families can improve their fishing technique and fish identification while also learning about water quality and indicators of fish health. Information on how to purchase a fishing license will also be available at the library and online.
By teaming up with local scouts, fishing clubs, and fishing enthusiasts, the library ensures the equipment is as good as new and in working order. Each library will receive five rods and plenty of tackle from the Maryland DNR.
Last year, libraries that participated reported fishing rod rentals were booked months in advance. Waiting was no inconvenience, as many families were eager to give the sport a shot. One regular patron to the Carroll County Public Library put a rod on hold for his son to try. He was very enthusiastic, and commented, “Every time I think the library can’t get any better, you provide something special like this!”
Ron Buffington, President of the Central Region Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, helped kick off the program last year. He was so inspired by new anglers getting the chance to participate in the Library Loaner Program that he donated additional rods and gear to the program. “It was great to see kids participating in the program with one another, but friendships among parents transpired as well. Some even made future plans to get together and go fishing.”
At the Ruth Enlow Library, the pond out front was a popular fishing (and frogging!) hole for first time anglers. To everyone’s surprise, excited anglers made sure the pond critters got a chance to visit inside the library as well.
Once the news on the Library Loaner Program began to spread, more libraries in Maryland were eager to participate, and as many as five more libraries may be joining in on the fishing fun this year.
With support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration grant funding, Maryland’s Library Loaner program gives families and budding anglers the opportunity to connect with nature, learn a new skill and create memories that can last a lifetime.
Participating libraries are below, with many more interested counties hoping to expand with the Library Loaner Program this spring and summer. Please call your library for more information on participation and availability.
Mountain Road Community Library, Anne Arundel County
Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library, Anne Arundel County
Westminster Branch Library, Carroll County
Brunswick Branch Library, Frederick County
Joppa Branch Library, Hartford County
Ruth Enlow Library, Garret county
