Fun, educational, and surprising things are happening this summer at – and through – the Greenfield Public Library. Although this column focuses on a fishy new pilot project, readers are encouraged to check out GPL offerings to learn about the astounding array of new and ongoing opportunities, including summer reading programs, the Common Seed Project, a community baby shower, free passes to regional museums, and Worldwide Knit in Public Day, coming up on June 14.

Something caught my eye as I strolled through the Farmers Market in downtown Greenfield a few weeks ago. It was one of those wonderful Saturday mornings when GPL staff members set up a booth to help spread the word about their programs. On this particular day, a GPL flyer brought back fond childhood memories. I stepped up to the booth and asked Pamela McBride, “Kids can borrow fishing equipment from the library?”

McBride, who works in information services – what we used to call a reference librarian – replied, “It’s not just for kids, but yes!” Staffing the booth with McBride was Jennifer Jones, a stewardship biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (also known as MassWildlife). The two met a couple of years ago at a community services program, and worked together to make it possible for anyone with a valid library card to borrow fishing rods and tackle box loaner kits, pretty much like you’d check out a book.

Of course, borrowing fishing equipment is different from checking out a book; freshwater anglers aged 15 or older must have a fishing license before heading out to the water. But those licenses are free for anyone 15 to 17, as well as 70 or older. (Anyone under 15 doesn’t need a license to fish.) Fishing licenses are quite affordable, and the fees go directly toward supporting conservation programs. Once your license is squared away, you can head to the library, pick up what you need, and hang a “Gone Fishing” sign on your door!

“This is a love project,” said Jones, a Rindge, New Hampshire, native who heartily vouches for the activity. “Living on Lake Monomonac, we were a fishing family,” she said. “On many occasions, I’d run to the end of our dock to try to catch an elusive bass that lived in our cove.” The family lived in a cabin her parents transformed into a year-round residence, and from there Jones had easy access to the water as well as to deep woods. “I suspect my regular encounters with toads, frogs, and salamanders influenced my decision to become a biologist,” said Jones. She’s thrilled to be part of bringing this pilot program to the GPL; she and her colleagues hope to bring the opportunity to more libraries statewide.

“Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to introduce your kids or a friend to the joys of fishing, the kits have everything you need to get started,” according to Nicole McSweeney, MassWildlife’s assistant director for outreach and education. “Fishing is a great family activity and allows people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature. It’s also a fun, affordable way to enjoy the outdoors.”

Local places to fish include Barton’s Cove in Gill, Leverett Pond, Lake Warner in Hadley, and slow stretches of the Connecticut River between Northfield and Sunderland. Readers who wish to up their chances can head to Cranberry Pond in Sunderland or Lake Wyola in Shutesbury; MassWildlife has stocked both with trout. “It’s easy to get started and learn how to fish,” said McSweeney. “If you’re not ready to try fishing on your own yet, MassWildlife offers free family fishing clinics throughout the year.”

Speaking with McBride, Jones, and McSweeney brought back delicious memories of when my eldest brother, Andrew, disappeared for hours-long stints and returned home with rainbow, brook, and brown trout he’d caught in the lower Saranac River near our home in Plattsburgh, New York. Occasionally, he came home with Atlantic salmon. Those were jubilant times for my family, and our mother stepped away from the stove with a smile while her firstborn took over kitchen duties. I was in awe of Andrew’s ability to go out there and bring home dinner. The flavor of freshly caught fish was out of this world, and I worshipped my big bro for his talents and skills. Yet the equipment he used for his catches boggled my mind: all those poles, reels, lines, and boxes of little accoutrements!

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Thanks to the Greenfield Public Library and MassWildlife, any library card holder wishing to go fishing can learn the basics and get started. You can pick up a push-button rod and a small tackle pack with bobbers, hooks, jugs, and spinners. When it comes to live bait, you’re on your own; MassWildlife recommends garden worms or mealworms. Their website lists food items as other possibilities, like small pieces of chicken or cheese. There’s even a QR code which enables those new to fishing to watch a brief tutorial video on setting up your rod.

Check out mass.gov/GoFishMA for more information. Good luck to all who decide to give it a whirl!

Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope.” To contact her: eveline@amandlachorus.org.