Hiking trails isn't hard when you've got a library card.
That's because Lambton County Library is now letting cardholders borrow walking pole kits for a seven-day period.
Public Services Coordinator of Collections Kevin Coates said cardholders can check them out or reserve the kits on the library's website or by visiting one of the county's 25 library branches.
"As with books, we recognize not everyone can afford their own walking poles, and for people who can't buy their own, it gives them a chance to try out our walking poles for free," said Coates. "We want to promote active living and encourage people to get out and explore our wonderful community, whether that be on nature trails, beaches or even the sidewalk."
Coates said while you can use the poles anywhere, they're particularly helpful on hilly or uneven terrain.
"When used correctly, walking poles can engage more muscle groups than walking without poles, and provide other advantages like allowing for improved balance and protecting critical joints from impact.”
Coates said they currently have 32 walking pole kits in their collection but could add more depending on popularity.
"We also have binoculars that we've introduced, we have snowshoes, pedometers, GPS devices for geocaching and coming soon we'll be having fishing poles."
Each walking pole kit contains two walking poles, pole holders, pole tips, mud baskets and an instructional card.
The replacement value for lost or damaged kits is $40.
With files from Natalia Vega