Vermont libraries lend garden tools and snowshoes among other items

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How do you keep libraries vibrant and relevant? There's more to lend than just books and movies.

At least one Vermont library has a skeleton in its stacks.

But it's nothing to hide. In fact, patrons can check out the plastic bones and take them home, along with a model of a human torso and a variety of human and animal X-rays.

These unlikely offerings represent the way that many of the state's public libraries are thinking outside the books, adding items to collections that can help residents save money, make money, educate children, get exercise, grow food or proclaim their heritage.

Library users can check out everything from practical items such as garden tools and snowshoes to whimsical things such as puppets and children's costumes.

Librarians say it's all about serving the needs of their communities and enticing new patrons.

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http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090322/FEATURES02/903220331