Our loanable collection offers a variety of games for different ages, interests, and skillsets to level up your next game night experience.

Games can be borrowed by CBRL cardholders with a loan period of three weeks.

Stepping stones provide the following benefits:

• Promote active play and physical activity
• Develop agility, balance, and coordination
• Improve gross motor skills
• Inspire imagination and creativity through open ended, flexible play
• Provide opportunities for challenges and confidence-building.

The set includes 12 stones of varying sizes. The lightweight, space-saving design allows the pieces to stack on top of each other and store in the provided bag when not in use.

Stepping stones are made of a durable, slip-resistant polypropylene material and have a thick and sturdy rubber bottom. The maximum weight limit is 220 pounds, so the stepping stones can be used by people across a range of ages and sizes.

Funding for the Stepping Stones kits was provided by Nova Scotia Health Community Health Boards Eastern Zone members: East Cape Breton County Community Health Board, Northside the Lakes Community Health Board, and Central Cape Breton County Community Health Board.

All borrowers must complete and sign an equipment loan form at the time of check out which covers the risk of harm or injury which may occur as a result of using the equipment.

Please return to the circulation desk. Do not place in book return drop box.

Currently the #1 fastest-growing sport in North America, pickleball is a fun way for people of all ages and abilities to get active and have fun. Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net.

Now you can borrow a picklebell set from the library! The set contains 4 durable paddles, 2 indoor and 2 outdoor high-performing pickleballs, and one carrying case. This is a great set for beginners.

Are you ready to try Pickleball?

Place a hold on a pickleball kit today and pick it up at your local library branch

Request Pickleball Kit

Here are a few reasons why pickleball has surged in popularity in recent years.

1. Easy to Learn, Fun to Play: Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, creating a game that’s easy to learn and fun to play for people of all ages, skill levels, and athletic backgrounds. Its straightforward rules make it accessible for beginners, while the strategic depth of the game keeps seasoned players engaged and challenged.
2. Exercise and Health Benefits: Pickleball offers a fantastic workout. It enhances agility, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Although pickleball is a fast-paced sport, its low-impact nature makes it a good fit for beginners, individuals who are recovering from injuries, or people with limited mobility.
3. Social Engagement: Pickleball is as much about community as it is about competition. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, build camaraderie, spend quality time bonding with loved ones, and enjoy some friendly competition.  
4. Affordable and Accessible: With minimal equipment required and increasing numbers of courts, pickleball is a low barrier to entry activity. Many local communities provide pickle ball courts at parks and recreational centres, and borrowing a kit from the library makes it even easier to get started. 

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to stay active, or a chance to meet new people, pickleball offers something for everyone!

Funding for the Pickleball kits was provided by Nova Scotia Health Community Health Boards Eastern Zone members: East Cape Breton County Community Health Board, Northside the Lakes Community Health Board, and Central Cape Breton County Community Health Board.

All borrowers must complete and sign an equipment loan form at the time of check out which covers the risk of harm or injury which may occur as a result of using the equipment. Please return to the circulation desk. Do not place in book return drop box.

Borrow a Pickleball Kit today

Visit the Pickleball Cape Breton Facebook page to learn more about where to play locally.

CBRL has Skateboards available to loan!

Each skateboard kit comes with a skateboard, a helmet and knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.

Equipment loan form must be completed and signed before borrowing. Please return to the circulation desk. Do not place in book return drop box.

The skateboard kits were developed in partnership with Island Skateboard Association and are funded by the NS Health Authority, Central Cape Breton Community Health Board.

Skateboards are available in 3 sizes:

• Youth
• Adult Medium
• Adult Large

Follow the Island Skateboard Association on Facebook to learn about upcoming skateboard workshops and events.

Where to Skate

• New Waterford Skatepark
• Andrew MacKinnon Skatepark (also known as Saint Anthony Daniel or SAD Skatepark)
• Whitney Pier Pump Track
• Daniel Taylor Skatepark, Glace Bay
• Island Skatepark (more commonly known as Coxheath Skatepark)
• Lawrence Mansfield Skatepark, North Sydney
• Eltuek Skate, 170 George Street, Sydney (open outside of business hours – weekends and after 4:30pm weekdays)
• Undercurrent Youth Centre in Glace Bay hold skate sessions in their indoor gym

CBRL has Bike Maintenance Tool Kits available to loan!

Each kit comes with 17 tools for making adjustments or replacing parts on bikes.

We have also included a copy of Chris Sidwell’s Bicycle Repair Manual. (DK, 2021)

Funding for the kits was provided by Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the Municipality of Victoria County, in consultation with Velo Cape Breton Bicycle Association and Framework Cycle and Fitness. Thanks to everyone who made these kits possible!

What’s included in the Kit

1. Crank Remover
2. Freewheel / Cassette Lockring Tool
3. 15mm Pedal Wrench
4. 8mm Hex Key Wrench
5. 6″ Adjustable Forged Wrench 
6. #1 Phillips Screwdriver
7. 6mm Flat Blade Screwdriver
8. Freewheel Turner (Chain Whip, 1/2″ x 3/32″)
9. Shimano Compatible Chain Tool (5x6x7x8x9x10x11x12-speed)
10. Glueless Patch Set AirDam, 6 Pieces
11. Star Key Wrenches T-9x10x15x20x25x27x30x40
12. 10-15G Forged 8-groove Spoke Tool
13. Shimano^® Hollowtech II Compatible BB Tool
14. Tire Lever Set, Set of 3 Pieces
15. 9x10mm Open-ended Spanner
16. Hex Key Wrenches 2×2.5x3x4x5x6mm
17. Bike Pump (attached to outside of box)

How to Use the Kit

The included book will help with minor adjustments and repairs. Additional instruction can be found through online videos.

The included bike pump can be used with both Shrader (standard) valves and Presta valves. Here’s a video demonstrating how to set-up the pump for the type of valve you have.

And another video demonstrating how to use the pump with Presta valve tires.

Additional recommended Bike Maintenance channels on YouTube include:

• GCN TECH Maintenance Videos
• Park Tool (YouTube)
• Cycling Maintenance Videos from REI CO-OP

Have you heard about disc golf? It’s a fun, low-impact way for people of all ages and abilities to get active and enjoy the outdoors!

Each set includes 3 flying discs and can be borrowed for 3 weeks.

Disc golf is an sport in which participants throw flying discs into an above-ground target. It is played using similar rules to golf, but instead of swinging a club to hit a ball, players throw a disc from a designated tee area. Like golf, it shares the objective of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or in the case of disc golf, fewest throws). The sport incorporates the ABCs of movement, encouraging participants to exercise agility, balance, and coordination as they move through the course.

Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. The first local course was established by the CBRM Recreation Department in 2017, in Sydney’s Rotary Park. Since then, the popularity of disc golf has grown steadily in the CBRM, and there is now an additional course was added at the Colliery Lands Park in New Waterford. Both courses are free for the public to play, with each being on bus routes.

Disc golf sets were donated by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Recreation Department and Victoria County Recreation.

Borrow a racket from your local library and visit one of many tennis courts in the local area. Tennis balls included with every racket loan.

Here’s a list of tennis facilities in CBRM.

Start by using the pedometer to track your average daily steps before you set a goal. Try increasing your step goal gradually. If you started with 3000 steps a day, add in a few 10-15 minute walks and you will quickly see your steps increase. Wear the pedometer throughout the day, so that no step is uncounted!

Ski sets include waxless skis, boots, and poles available in children’s to adult sizes.

The smallest boots are toddler size 11 (Euro size 28).

The largest boots are Men’s size 12.5 (Euro size 47)

Skis can be borrowed for one week and must be picked up returned to Baddeck Library during open hours. Our skis are popular and stock is limited.

Please phone Baddeck Library, 902-295-2055, for more information.

Where to Ski

Baddeck Nordic Ski Club

• Information on Membership, Day Passes and Trail Maps
• Baddeck Cross Country Skiiers Facebook Group also hosts a General Discussion and information on current

Cape Breton Nordic

• Cape Breton Nordic grooms trails and rents skis out of its clubhouse at Seaview Golf Course in North Sydney. Find Cape Breton Nordic on Facebook.

Snowshoeing is a great winter activity you can do almost anywhere. Our snowshoes work great on or off-trail.

Snowshoe FAQ

Where can I borrow snowshoes from?

Snowshoes are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the following library branches:

• McConnell Library – Sydney. 902-562-3161
• Baddeck Library.  902-295-2055
• Glace Bay Library 902-849-8657
• North Sydney Library 902-794-3272
• New Waterford Library 902-862-2892
• Victoria North Regional Library – Ingonish.  902-285-2544

Can I reserve snowshoes in advance?

Our snowshoes are available on a first-come first-served basis. We do not take reservations in advance. Drop-by any of the listed libraries or phone the branch to set aside a pair of snowshoes for same day pick-up. 

What sizes are available?

Multiple sizes from children’s through to adult are available, from size 17 (for individuals up to 80 pounds) to size 24 (for individuals up to 250 pounds).

How many snowshoes can I borrow?

Our snowshoe loan program is set-up for personal and family use. You may borrow a maximum of 3 pairs of snowshoes can be borrowed on one library card. Parents/guardians may borrow for themselves and their children. Adults should borrow snowshoes on their own library card and each adult borrower will have to sign a copy of our Sports Equipment Loan Agreement.

How long can I borrow the snowshoes for?

Once picked-up you can use the snowshoes for one week, but early returns are encouraged! All snowshoes and poles should be returned to the library branch you borrowed them from. All snowshoes must be returned directly to library staff during library open hours.

Can I renew snowshoes?

No. There are no renewals for snowshoes.

Can I borrow poles with the snowshoes?

A pair of trekking poles are available to borrow along with each set of snowshoes.

Does the library have other Winter equipment to borrow?

• Cross Country Skis, (Baddeck Library only)
• Ice Traction Cleats (Baddeck Library only)
• Walking Poles.

Nature Backpacks can be borrowed from any library branch.  There are 7 different themes to choose from.

Funding and support for Nature Backpacks was generously provided by Nova Scotia Communities, Culture & Heritage and CBRM Recreation.

Themes:

Winter

• Discover the science of snow, learn about animals in the winter, or learn all about Winter hiking! Contains a snow-brick maker, handheld microscope and field guides and picture books.

Birdwatching

• Learn about birds in your backyard, the forest or the beach.  Contains binoculars, bird field guides, and books about birds for kids and adults.

At the Beach

• Discover more at the beach this year with activities and books to learn about seashore life.  Also contains beach bucket and shovels, a sandproof beach blanket and guide to the Beaches of Cape Breton.

In the Forest

• Discover new hiking trails, learn how to identify animal tracks and learn how to respect the life of the forest and stay safe around wild animals.

Wildcrafting

• Learn how to make a nature journal, practice pressing flowers and learn about edible wild plants! Lots of activities and recipes are included.

Night Sky

• Learn how to use binoculars to view the night sky.  Discover more about the phases of the moon and the constellations.  Includes binoculars for star gazing.

Insects

Insects are everywhere around us, learn more about the fascinating world of insects with activities, insect observation tank and in depth field guides

These GPS units are good companions for books such as Hiking Trails of Cape Breton or Waterfalls of Nova Scotia. Both of these books use GPS coordinates to indicate locations of trail heads and other interesting landmarks. Geocachers may also find these GPS units to be helpful.

You can find these GPS Units in the library catalogue and place a hold on one to borrow.

For more information on how to use the Garmin ExTrex Legend refer to the User manual that is loaned out with the kit . There are also some videos on YouTube (such as the one posted below), which demonstrate how to enter GPS coordinates on these devices.

Cape Breton Regional Library’s Nature Backpacks are also available to borrow – the backpacks have books and suggested activities for exploring nature with your family.