What's New?
The pelicans have mostly vacated Saylorville and the mercury is steadily falling. Leaves litter my yard and remind me of the things I have yet to do. Time flies when you're having fun. Oh if I could spend all my days floating on Iowa's beautiful rivers; I'd call that heaven. Why do people work full time and live part-time? I'm a slave to money, God help me!
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get this library into a database format this year, but it will come in time. I've decided not to wait for a miracle, however, and get the rest of the resources listed.
We had some interruptions with the server I had the site on, but this shouldn't be an issue anymore. For some reason, the new donated server space is not showing the site, so I've moved it to my own web space.
I've added a lot of books and materials. I did not photograph these nor did I put a description of the content of the items. However, I thought it best to get all these listed before winter hits and you find yourself without some good reading. Robin Fortney has donated much of the new stuff regarding canoeing and general paddling, and Whitney Sanford donated many of the Whitewater DVDs and materials. Between the two of them they've provided nearly 20% of the entire library. Kudos to the both of you! The library currently has 95 items, including DVDs, Videos, and books.
My goals for spring of 2007 is to have 125 items. That's a modest attainable goal I think. Please help me to achieve it by clicking the "donate" button at the top to learn how.
Thanks! And, happy paddling!
John
(November 3, 2006)
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Why this is, of course! The paddling library has been a long time coming. As a newbie to paddling (October 2004), I thought it would be a good idea to have an online library where new paddlers have easy access to great materials at minimal cost to help them learn and develop good paddling skills. Let's face it, after buying a boat, PFD, paddle, spray skirt, and all the other gear one finds essential, you're broke. I suggested this to Nate Hoogeveen (author of Paddling Iowa and president of Iowa Whitewater Coalition), hoping he would say "Wow, great idea! I'll get to work on that right away!" Instead, he said, "Wow, great idea! I think you would make a great librarian--Get to work!" So, here I am seven months later just now getting something together. Sorry for the delay, but work on this site was impeded by paddling, work, procrastination, and lack of book or video donations (not necessarily in that order).
Newbies and well-seasoned paddlers alike should find this site useful. After all, you can't know everything. There are also great books and resources that are out of print and very difficult to find that will eventually be added to the library. I hope to incorporate reviews and comments from our local paddlers who have taken a gander at the materials.
To this date, I have received two material donations, but have acquired many materials on my own. I hope that having this site up and running convinces you that your book donation or loan to the library will actually be put to good use. Yes, you read correctly, you can loan an item to the library rather than donate. When you loan an item to the library, you can request it back at anytime with no questions asked. If the item is checked out, it will be sent to you upon its return. If there is a waiting list for the item, your name will go to the top of the list. A donation, on the other hand, is simply giving an item to the library with no strings attached.
It is important that you use the feedback button to offer your suggestions and comments. I want to make this a useful site for the paddling community. I want to know what materials you feel the library should have and what materials you would like it to have. As I continue to receive materials, I will create a searchable online database that makes it easier to access and find what you're looking for.
Thanks!
John Wenck (8/4/2005)
