Things are looking up at the North Olympic Library System!

Thanks to a generous donation from Forks Elks Lodge 2524, telescopes are the latest addition to the fleet of unexpected and non-traditional items now available for checkout at all NOLS branches.

Each telescope is equipped with accessories to help library patrons view the night sky, including a pocket constellation guide, beginner’s instruction manual and a headlamp to aid in nighttime viewing.

The new library telescopes may be borrowed for up to one week. To place a hold request and start gazing, visit www.nols.org and search the online catalog for “telescope.” Hold requests also can be made by calling the library or visiting any of the four NOLS branches in Clallam County.

Here’s a glance at other fun, non-traditional items currently available for checkout at your library:

Pedometers

Whether you’re exploring new wilderness trails or strolling through your daily activities, now you can keep track of how many steps you take and calories you burn with NOLS pedometers. Each library pedometer may be borrowed for up to one week and comes equipped with easy quick-start instructions.

To get started, simply search the online catalog using the keyword, “pedometer.”

Rhythm buckets

Get ready to make some music with NOLS rhythm buckets, for drummers of all ages.

“Big Rhythm Buckets” for adults and “Lil’ Rhythm Buckets” for younger drummers offer library card holders a fun, free and easy way to learn the basics of rhythm.

Inside each bucket are all the discovery tools you’ll need for successful rhythm-making: drum sticks, various hand percussion instruments like shaker eggs, kalimbas and guiros, as well as music instruction books for both adults and kids. Patrons may borrow each bucket for up to three weeks.

Tablets

And now for something a little different: Library card holders in good-standing may borrow an Apple iPad on a first-come, first-served basis for up to two hours during their visit to NOLS. The new devices, to be used inside the library, are ideal for research, personal browsing or to experience some of the downloadable and streaming content available through www.nols.org, including movies, TV shows and audiobooks.

Wait, there’s more!

In addition to the new circulating telescopes, there are also Walkie Talkies, Explore Olympic daypacks, birding kits, geocaching kits, maps of Olympic National Park, Storytime To Go kits and pool passes available for checkout.

To get started, all you need is a library card.

More info

For additional information about these resources and more, visit www.nols.org. To reach the Sequim Library, call 683-1161, send an email to Sequim@nols.org, or stop in for a visit at 630 N. Sequim Ave.

Mary Coté is a customer service specialist at Sequim and Port Angeles branch libraries.