Lending and Resource Libraries » Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

What is a Lending Library?

The Lending Library is a collection of totes that include multi-sensory play materials that build early learning skills across domains. Materials include high quality wooden puzzles, puppets, manipulatives, books, CDs, musical instruments, push toys and more.

 

What is a Literacy backpack?

A Literacy backpack contains a selection of books and materials to extend and support learning with the books. These backpacks can be used as a resource for you to share with parents to use with their children in their homes.

 

How do I know what you have in the Lending Library?

At our online catalog you can view pictures and lists of the contents of all the totes as well as view pictures of larger items that are available for check out.

Where are the Lending Libraries located?

The main Lending Library is located in Traverse City at the Child Care Connections office at 720 S. Elmwood.

There is also a Lending Library in Boyne City at the Char-Em ISD.

What are the hours?

The Traverse City Lending Library is open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. Extended hours are offered on evenings and Saturday morning each month. Call the office for a current schedule of extended hours.

Contact our Boyne City office at 231-582-8070 to arrange for pick up in Boyne City.

What do I have to do to check out materials?

Providers must first submit a signed agreement. A Center Director may sign one agreement and list staff members who are authorized to check out items. Once we have the signed agreement a library card is issued that we keep on file in our office.  We are using a check in/out scanner with bar codes.

What is the length of time materials can be borrowed?

Materials can be borrowed for 4 weeks at a time, except the totes with Habitats in them. We allow those totes to be checked out for 8 weeks. Providers have the option of ordering at their cost the ants, butterflies, worms or ladybugs for the habitats. It is expected that when the items are returned that the items are clean and bug free.

How many items can I check out at one time?

We allow up to 6 items per check out including backpacks.

How will I keep track of all the items in the tote?

There is an itemized list on the lid of the tote and in the backpack to help you keep track of things. Introduce the items in the tote to the children one at a time and rotate them so not everything is out at once. Some materials would be best used for a small group activity. Intentional planning for using the materials is your best bet.

How can I make the check out/check in process go smoothly?

Call ahead and reserve the totes and/or backpacks you want. If they are “in stock” we will have them ready for you. When you return the totes make sure you have all the items that belong in the tub. Carefully complete the inventory on the lid and plan time when you return the totes to help us check them in.

Who is responsible if an item is damaged?

Providers are responsible if an item is damaged beyond normal wear and tear. The cost of each item is listed in our catalog.

Can I purchase items I really like?

Yes, most of the items are available for purchase through our agency.

Can I reserve a bin if it’s already checked out?

Yes, we will allow a request to be made, however, we cannot guarantee when the item will be available.

If I don’t have transportation to pick-up or return the totes, is there a delivery service?

There is a delivery service to Cadillac through the local Intermediate School District’s REMC programs. Plans are underway to expand delivery to Manistee County. There is also a satellite Lending Library in Boyne City. Our child care specialists will contact the provider when the items are delivered. It is up to the provider to make arrangements to pick up the items from the ISD. The exceptions are large motor or very large items. The provider must pick-up and drop-off these items through our main office.

How are items cleaned after usage?

We inspect the totes each time they are returned to be sure all the items are in them and that they are clean. We ask that providers disinfect items before returning them to us.

Will batteries be supplied for some of the items?

Most items do not need batteries to be effective. If batteries are necessary the provider must supply them.

What are the journals in the totes for?

We would like to have your stories about how you used the items in the totes. We know children create “teachable moments” that cause us to think in a different way about things.

Are there going to be classes to help providers utilize the materials in the totes?

We are currently offering themed trainings each month based on the totes. These free workshops are introductory level trainings for providers who are new to using the lending library materials or new to the profession. These trainings qualify for Tier 2 training hours but CEUs are not available. Go to Great Start CONNECT for the schedule and to register.