The Rural Community of Fundy Shores has launched a new recreation and leisure library.

Mayor Denny Cogswell said the library is believed to be the first of its kind in the region.

It is similar to a public library, except people can borrow recreational equipment instead of books.

“They’ll be able to use it, try it out, see if they like it, return it, the same as they would at a book library,” said Cogswell.

Fundy Shores received a $5,620 grant from the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation’s Community Action Fund. The community is also investing $2,680 toward the project.

Available equipment includes snowshoes, Nordic walking poles, polar skis for strollers, shuffleboard, disc golf, bocce ball, kick croquet and yoga mats.

Cogswell said anyone in the community will be able to sign a card, just like a library card, and take the items out for free.

“Anybody young or old can come sign it out and try it and be able to get outside and do some recreational activities,” he said.

The goal is to provide inclusive opportunities for sport, recreation and leisure activities by eliminating barriers to participation while increasing opportunities for active living.

Cogswell said they hope to be able to install play boxes and outdoor benches in the coming months and grow the library to include sporting books.

Items can be signed out at the Community Hall on Malcolm Meehan Road. You can learn more by emailing linda.sullivanbrown@fundyshores.ca.