Last Updated 12/18/2024
What is Kit & Kaboodle?
Kit & Kaboodle is a great way for SHARE members to share kits. Members will build, store, and share items for better resource sharing. When the kit is in motion, it will be checked in and checked out just like any other item at the library. Once received, the Requesting Library can then check out the kit materials, like books to book club members or they can use the items for in-house programming.
1. How do I find a kit?
Member libraries can use the OPAC to find a kit. Search "Kit & Kaboodle" in the OPAC. There are some kits that are only for library professionals (like StoryWalk kits or costumes). You cannot place a hold, but you can reach out to the owning library to request the items.
We have compiled a list of the available kits for your reference. The list includes the title of the kit, how many items are linked, and the control number.
Access the Kit & Kaboodle kit list here
2. How do I reserve a kit?
You can request the kits like you would any other material. Search "Kit & Kaboodle" in the OPAC. Entries will list [kit] after the title.
3. Who has these kits?
You do! We are asking libraries to help build this shared collection. A member library that would like to build a kit can either use existing materials or purchase materials. Please see What Makes a Great Kit below.
4. Where are the kits housed when they are not checked out?
When they are not checked out, each owning library will house their own kits.
5. How long is the check-out period?
Libraries can check out kits for six weeks (42 days). Patrons have one week to check out books and will have a due date of five weeks (35 days). This means that the individual item due dates will correspond to when the kit needs to be returned. Neither the kits nor the items are renewable. Do you need the kit longer? Please contact kits@illinoisheartland.org to see if the kit is available for an extension.
6. How do patrons check out books?
We are now offering the opportunity to check out both whole kits and individual kit items (like a single book) to patrons! You can request the kit through Polaris. The kit will check out for six weeks (42 days). For book kits, each individual book in the kits will have a barcode so patrons can check them out on their card like any other item, and will check out for five weeks (35 days).
7. What if an item is still out or pieces are still missing?
If an item or pieces haven't been returned by the kit's due date, please follow the Incomplete Material Procedure.
8. Is this program only for book clubs?
No! The sky is the limit. We are starting with book clubs, but we already have an "Activity" designation for other kits, like StoryWalk kits, STEAM kits, American Girl doll kits, storytime kits, and anything else you can think of!
9. What if the title I want is not listed?
Feel free to make up a kit and send it to SHARE for processing! See "What Makes a Great Kit" below.
10. Are all book club kits in Polaris part of the Kit & Kaboodle program?
Unfortunately, no. Some book club kits are for local use only or are meant for patron book club groups. If you see a kit that is not in the Kit & Kaboodle program, reach out to the owning library directly.
What Makes a Great Book Club Kit?
- 8+ books (paperback preferred)
- Audiobooks
- Large print books
- E-books/audiobooks (Contact Danielle B. to see if an e-book version is available for purchase in the cloudLibrary.E-books will be listed separately in the catalog and will not have modified due dates, but you can suggest these titles to patrons that might prefer an e-book/audiobook version.)
- Discussion questions
- Notebook for discussion (like hotel guestbooks or geocaching logs)
What if I don’t have everything suggested?
If you still think what you do have makes a great kit, go ahead and send an email to Jacob S. to get the process started!
Kit & Kaboodle Logos
