Idaho library produces outdoor activity kits with federal grant

Library users in the Lewiston area will soon have the chance to try gold panning, bird watching and other outdoor activities for free.

The Lewiston City Library recently won a grant from the National Forest Community Recreation Fund to put together outdoor activity kits that users can check out starting next month. The Idaho Capital Sun first reported this story.

“We are excited to partner with the Lewiston City Library to support new ways for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with public lands, learn about conservation, and inspire them to take an active role in stewardship,” said Angela Edwards. Partnership coordinator with Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

Kits include essential equipment for gold panning, bird watching, hiking and camping. A Dutch oven will also be available for those who want to experience outdoor cooking.

According to library director Lynn Johnson, these are found on fishing poles that the library has been loaning out for years.

“This seemed like a good way to present something extraordinary to the public,” Johnson said in a press release.

“Libraries are about opportunity. “We want to help all kinds of people try things, whether they have limited means or a lot of access and wealth,” he said.

These new outdoor activity kits will be available to those who have a Valnet library card, Includes a group of 48 schools and public libraries in north central Idaho, stretching from Elk City to Potlatch.

It’s unclear how much the Lewiston City Library will receive. It will split the $225,000 grant among six other groups across the country:

· Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe of Washington

· Boat Bus operating in the Midwest and Northeast

· Georgia Refugee Women’s Network

· Piikani Lodge Health Institute in Montana

· Braided Seeds in Washington

· Southeast Alaska Independent Living

The kits will be ready for the first check starting from December.