ROME — Jervis Public Library, 613 N Washington St., is offering a wide catalog of items this summer including ukuleles, fishing poles, disc golf, passes to parks and zoos, metal detectors, dolls, CD players, kilowatt meters, and blood pressure monitors.

For most items, the lending system is the same as it is for books, with the items being checked out for up to two weeks.

Along with the unique offerings, the library is also holding several programs in its building. Programs include music circles, story times, YMCA meetings, and book discussions.

“Our mission is to listen to what the public needs, not just from the library, what they need period. We want to start the conversation on what a library can do for a community,” said Lisa A. Matte, executive director at Jervis.

Matte said that the ideas for offerings all come from public requests. The system first came about when a group of people came to the library and suggested that they start lending snowshoes so that the public could use them for leisure in the winter months.

The library decided this was a good idea and began to offer the snowshoes for public use. Soon, their positive thoughts about the program were confirmed when the snowshoes were quickly all checked out, said Matte.

The library then expanded to other items based on public request. Matte said that one of the most popular items in the library is the ukuleles that are now offered.

“Teens gave a list of things they wanted the library to offer in spring. On this list were ukuleles,” said Matte. “We started with lessons and having a few on hand, then someone asked about a music circle and the program has expanded from there.”

The library now offers ukuleles, lesson books, and ukulele circle group every Monday at 6 p.m.

“The offerings give people options and allow them to explore things they otherwise couldn’t because of a financial barrier,” Matte claimed. “You do not have to purchase an item to learn about it. Instead, you can go through an exploration phase with the library items and decide whether or not you like them.”

Another example of exploration at the library is the sewing machines that are used by teens every week at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays. “This program allows teens to explore art and be creative through mediums such as sewing and knitting,” explained Matte.

However, some of the offerings at the library serve a more utilitarian purpose. The upcoming offering of blood pressure machines is a prime example….