The Lending Library offers classroom kits from GEMS (Great Explorations in Math & Science), Project Learning Tree, and Growing Up Wild, among others, that teachers, informal educators, and lifelong learners can check out. Each kit comes fully stocked with materials for a classroom of up to 32 students to implement the lesson plans – perfect for the classroom or afterschool activities.

To become a subscriber of the Lending Library the online Lending Library Registration Form must be completed along with a $40 subscription fee. Subscription fees may be paid online through the Registration Form or submitted in person to the Turtle Bay Education Department. This is a set fee and will not be prorated.

Each Lending Library registration is for individual use and the registrant is responsible for picking up/dropping off kits and materials borrowed. The name of the person requesting kits must match the name of the registered user. Please make sure kit contents are placed back as neatly as possible and that any containers with liquid are placed upright and in a Ziploc baggie (i.e. food colors, corn syrups, etc.) to prevent leakage. If items are lost or damaged, the member will be billed for replacement items.

Subscriptions last for the entire school year (for example July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022).

Through the Turtle Bay website on the Lending Library tab, there are kit descriptions and pictures.

Once you have completed the online Lending Library Registration Form and submitted the subscription fee. Subscribers will directly email the Education Department at lendinglibrary@turtlebay.org with the name of the kits and desired checkout dates. Please reserve kits at least one week in advance of when you would like to pick them up. We may not be able to meet last-minute requests.

Due to the large size of the kits, it is strongly recommended only 3 to 4 kits at one pickup time. We also ask that duplicate kits are not checked out by the same person at the same time.

Typically kits are checked out for 3 weeks. If extensions are needed send a request to lendinglibrary@turtlebay.org.

Pick up: Park at Turtle Bay’s Loading Dock and TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS to indicate that you are only there for a short time (or you might get towed). When entering the main entrance, a facemask is strongly recommended, inform staff at the front desk you are picking up a Lending Library kit. Staff will direct you to the storage area where the kits that are ready for check out are stored on the shelves. Pay attention to the check-out label on the kit. It will indicate YOUR NAME and how many bins, buckets, tubes, etc. the kit includes. Many kits have multiple pieces. Once you have located your materials, you may take them and exit through the rear loading dock doors. Please return your kit by the return date to the same room you picked it up from.

Return: Return kits to the same location and in the same manner as pick up. Park at the loading dock, turn on flashers, enter through the main entrance and inform staff. Returned materials should be placed on the ground underneath the bright orange return sign. DO NOT place them back on the shelves.

Kits may be picked up and returned during the Museum’s open hours. Please check our website for the most current hours.

Winter – Wed. – Fri., 9:00am – 4:00pm; Saturday/Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Summer – Mon. – Fri., 9:00am – 5:00pm; Saturday/Sunday, 10:00am – 5:00pm

One. To ensure clear communication and proper kit care subscriptions are limited to one person per subscription.