Members can check out 2-4 items at a time depending on their membership level. Each "Item" could be a unit study, 10 books, Montessori item or Waseca item. To see what is available to checkout, you can browse the items in-person or through the catalog online. To browse in-person, you must schedule a time to come to the library. I run a fully licensed home childcare which limits availability a bit, but I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. The lending library is located within my classroom on the lower level of my home. All items are from a smoke and large pet free home (we have fish, a frog and hamsters, but they don't play with anything from the library).
You can also reserve items and do "porch pickup" after your trial period (the first two months of membership). I scan the item codes and set them in a code-locked deck box in the driveway for you to pick up the following day. Units are stored in easy to stack and carry plastic totes. Montessori materials are stored in totes whenever possible. Waseca mats are larger and must be protected from water, so may not be available for porch pickup depending on the severity of the weather.
Located in my home on Wendy Heights Road in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The exact address will be shared when scheduling a time to visit or when you become a member.
To schedule a time to tour the lending library and see in-person what is available before you decide if you want to be a member, please email creativelearningcb@gmail.com
To borrow from the lending library , you must purchase a level of membership ($10-$15 per month), pay the registration fee ($40) and sign the member agreement.
Payments can be made by cash, check or Paypal.
Once your membership is purchased, you'll receive a membership keychain card on your first visit with your own member ID and membership level.
QR codes that link to google sheets make it easy! Simply use your phone camera to scan the posted QR code on each item or tote. This will take you to a google form that asks for your name. Fill in your name, then click "submit". If you have more than one item, back out and scan the QR code on your next item, repeating each step. You're done! It feeds automatically into my google sheets so I can see which items are checked out and who has them. Or reserve your items and schedule a time to do "porch pickup". I'll collect your items, scan them all to check them out for you and place them in a code-locked deck box in the front of my driveway. You can come the following day anytime after 9am, put in the code and grab your items. Return them the same way and pick up the next group!
When your items are due or you're ready to return and checkout new items, use the "reservation" form to schedule a return time and day. Before you come, use the photos included in your items and totes to be sure all pieces are accounted for and being returned. It is your responsibility to be sure all the items you checked out are returned. Missing or damaged items may result in being charged a $50 replacement fee to help cover the current replacement cost of more expensive items. When you arrive, use the same QR code to scan your items, but leave the "member name" line blank (this allows me to mark it as checked "In") Leave them on the porch and you're all set! If you'd like to browse in person and return in the same trip, please email creativelearningcb@gmail.com so we can schedule a time.
To ensure all items are cared for and returned so others can enjoy them, we have a required member agreement that everyone must sign before borrowing items.
The terms include a trial period that limits you to one item at a time for the first two months of membership. This is to ensure that each member will care for the items and return them on time.
A one-time enrollment fee of $40 is due when you become a member. This helps cover the replacement costs of items.
An additional fee of $50 may be due if a more expensive item (Red items in the catalog) is damaged beyond use or not returned.
Items must be going to a smoke-free home.
Items cannot be around animals. While I understand there may be animals in the home, please be sure that fabric Waseca mats and other items are not placed where animals can lay or placed on the floor or areas where animal hair may be present. Also, be sure that items are out of their reach to prevent the items from becoming chew toys. I, personally, am very allergic to cats and ask that you be mindful of hair and dander whenever possible.
While some normal wear and tear is acceptable, some items are $200- $1,000 to replace. More expensive items will not be available during the member trial period (Red items). There is a replacement fee of $50 for any red item that is not returned or is returned, but no longer functional (missing pieces that prevent its use, or damaged). If the additional fee is not paid, membership may be revoked on a case-by-case basis.