Fishing poles, ukuleles, folding tables
and wi-fi hotspots are just some of the less traditional items available to check
out from the library. Add cake pans to that list now.
More
than 25 different pans can be checked out for up to three weeks, just like most
other library materials. The majority of the pans were donated by library
member Sandy Mastrangelo, who used to have a small cake decorating business but
is now retired.
The
idea to give the pans to the library came from a friend who saw a similar
collection at an Iowa library. She took a picture and sent it to Mastrangelo.
“I hope
this generates some new life for the pans,” she said. “To me, it’s a dying
profession because now everyone wants cupcakes.”
The pans are in the shapes of animals, a flower, toy soldier and Disney,
Sesame Street and cartoon characters. They can be viewed online at the library
website, rhcl.org. Look for the Library Catalog tab under the Technology
drop-down menu. Then choose Booklists under the What’s Hot listing of items.
The pans are stored at the Belt Branch but are available to all library
members.
Mastrangelo will discuss how to use the pans and how to decorate cakes in
a program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Belt Branch.
The pans are another out-of-the ordinary item to provide patrons who
might need something for a limited time but don’t want to purchase them.
“If you were going to have a garage sale, you probably wouldn’t go out
and buy a 6-foot-long table and use it just once. You can check those out from
us,” said Library Director Michelle Mears. “And how many Fred Flintstone cakes will
you need to make in your life? Probably just one.”
The library also checks out some technology items. Wi-fi
hotspots provide internet connections for people who don't have internet
service at home or when they travel. Families can check out computer tablets
loaded with educational games for preschoolers. And Wonder Bibles are audio
players loaded with the Old and New Testaments.
Adults who want to obtain a high school diploma can check out Hiset
prep kits that contain a laptop computer and mobile wi-fi hotspot for
extended checkout times. The kits work in conjunction with the MOLearns.com
program from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and
are free to check out. Information about the kits can be found online at rhcl.org/high-school.
