✅ Last verified 2026-05-17. Nevada County Library still loans out games, sports gear, snowshoes, instruments, and more — free with a library card.
What it is
The Recreation Collection is a free lending library of fun stuff — not books. You borrow it like a book, take it home (or to the trail, park, or backyard), and return it a week later. Built so kids and adults can try sports, games, and hobbies without buying the gear.
Who can use it
Anyone with a free Nevada County Library card. Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Nevada County. If you don't have a card yet, you can sign up at any branch with a photo ID and proof of address. [Source: nevadacountyca.gov/3494/Library-Cards-Borrowing-Policies (accessed 2026-05-17)]
A Recreation Collection Waiver must be signed before your first checkout. If the cardholder is under 18, a parent or guardian signs.
What you can borrow
Outdoor games
- Cornhole set
- Spikeball kits
- Giant Connect Four
- Giant stacking tower
- Bocce ball set
- Badminton set
- Pickleball kit
- Tennis kits
- Disc golf set
Outdoor gear
- Hiking and snowshoeing poles
- Trail cam
- Birdwatching kit
- Garmin GPS device
- Gold panning kit
- Metal detectors
- Ghost hunting kits
Musical instruments
- Full-size Fender acoustic guitar
- 3/4-size Gretsch acoustic guitar
- Portable record player
Board games
Chess, D&D Starter Kit, D&D Essentials Kit, Dragomino, House of Danger, Sushi Go!, Catan, Terraforming Mars, Mysterium, Star Wars: Outer Rim, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Codenames, Ascension, Bananagrams — and more.
How to borrow
- Log into your library account or visit any branch.
- Search the catalog for "Recreation Collection" (or the specific item, like "snowshoes").
- Place a hold and choose your pickup branch.
- When the hold arrives, sign the waiver at the desk if you haven't already.
- Take it home for one week.
Borrowing rules
- Checkout period: 1 week.
- Renewals: None. Return on time so the next family can use it.
- Holds: Yes — pick up at any Nevada County Library branch.
- Replacement cost: You're financially responsible for lost or damaged items. The library will quote a replacement charge if something comes back broken or missing pieces. Check pieces against the inventory card before you check out.
[Source: nevadacountyca.gov/3602/Recreation-Collection (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Common pitfalls
- Don't lose the small pieces. Board games and kits have inventory cards. Count pieces when you check out and when you return.
- No renewals. If you want it longer, return it and place another hold — but someone else may be next in line.
- Snowshoes book up fast in winter. Place a hold early in the season for the size you need.
- Waiver first. If you've never used the Recreation Collection before, plan an extra few minutes at the desk to sign the waiver.
Where to get help
- Phone: (530) 265-7050
- Branches: Madelyn Helling (Nevada City), Grass Valley, Truckee, Penn Valley, Bear River, Doris Foley Historical Library
- Hours and locations: nevadacountyca.gov/3455/Library
Sources
- Recreation Collection page — nevadacountyca.gov/3602/Recreation-Collection (accessed 2026-05-17)
- Library Cards & Borrowing Policies — nevadacountyca.gov/3494/Library-Cards-Borrowing-Policies (accessed 2026-05-17)