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Idea Exchange invites the community to check out collections available to borrow and enjoy

Before you invest in equipment, Idea Exchange let's you try-before-you-buy
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Idea Exchange invites Cambridge and surrounding communities to come to see everything they have to offer.

Whether you’re interested in tools, music, eBooks, art, movies or more – you’re not going to leave Idea Exchange without something that’s up your alley. 

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“People are still very surprised at what you can access at the library.”

“We have so many unique collections that people can borrow,” says Jamie Kamula, Director, Public & Digital Services at Idea Exchange in Cambridge, Ontario. “It’s not just a library” Idea Exchange provides access to art galleries, maker services, and their physical materials as well as hundreds of programs offered to the community. 

“We have board games and puzzles, gaming equipment – Nintendo Switches and controllers, video games for every kind of console type. There are musical instruments like the ukulele, guitars, and keyboards. There are things for hobbies and crafts. Borrow knitting needles or crochet hooks and learn how to knit or crochet. Learn how to do podcasts, calligraphy, papermaking, and bookbinding. Borrow tech devices such as a webcam, iPad, GoPro, or a Harry Potter coding wand, Beats headphones, and ring lights and mic for online videos. There’s also a light tent with a dimmer to use to assist you when making videos,” says Kamula.

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Idea Exchange is also one of the only libraries in the region that has access to a laser cutter and recently acquired radon and CO2 detectors to borrow. 

“If you want to try something out and you don't want to spend the money upfront or you want to compare and see what specific item you like, we make it equitable for people not necessarily able to afford these items right away,” says Kamula, “Try different pastimes and hobbies out first and then you can invest in the equipment if you like.”

Idea Exchange also has a variety of different sports and recreation equipment that the community can borrow such as basketballs and hockey sticks. There is also a tool library that includes items such as pruning and pull trimmers, edgers, and leaf blowers.

“The things we have for families are very extensive. As part of our special collections for kids, we have kits available that encourage play-based learning, such as a MathQuest  PlaySmarts kit that includes things like bingo cards and math-related hands-on activities. There is also an art technology box, bug box, and music box in our STEAMbox collection. We want to make it fun to learn through play,” says Kamula.

What are the benefits of a membership with Idea Exchange?

Idea Exchange has partnerships within the surrounding area, including the Grand River Conservation Area and Ontario Parks where those with membership cards to Idea Exchange can get access to day passes to multiple parks. There are also partnerships with museums in the region of Waterloo area. “We’re happy to be able to offer those passes for free so anyone can discover something new they might not have been able to access before.” 

Online resources are available to anyone with a membership with Idea Exchange.

It is free for residents of Cambridge and they provide reciprocal borrowing with surrounding cities, and online membership for those who can't get to Idea Exchange locations. “There are multiple online programs and resources that you can sign up for. People don't realize how much we have available to stream and download from the library for free like thousands and thousands of eBooks, music, videos, and newspapers and magazines from around the world,” says Kamula. 

Idea Exchange has five locations with lots of areas to study quietly, use WiFi, and hang out with family or on your own. Programs are currently scheduled across the community, including upcoming author talks this fall. Idea Exchange is also offering a combination of online and in-person events so anyone can find what they need. 

“Our spaces are all very unique and we have so many wonderful things for people to access with their membership, says Kamula, “If you’re looking at taking up new hobbies, we have resources and assistance from books to programs that might pique your interest. Give us a visit and you just might find your new passion.”

Learn more about Idea Exchange here and find out how to become a member.