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Our Mission
The Community Gear Library is a resource in the Shenandoah Valley to increase access to the outdoors for all members of our diverse community by providing information and gear.
Our Vision
Eliminate common barriers that keep people from spending time outdoors.
Our Values
Community
Growth
Learning
What is a gear library?
A gear library is just like a regular library but for outdoor gear! We will have items such as tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, hiking poles, and child carrier backpacks. You can borrow the equipment for a week at a time. The best part is that it is free!
Where are you located?
CGL is housed in partnership with Massanutten Regional Library’s Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg
174 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Items may be checked out in-person, during Central Library operating hours after attending a CGL info session.
To check an item’s availability, please call Massanutten Regional Library at (540) 434-4475
Who runs the Community Gear Library?
The Community Gear Library was started in fall of 2022 by Harriet Flynn and Matt Little. There are also several volunteers and the Massanutten Regional Library staff that help the gear library run smoothly.
What kind of gear do you have?
We have individual items such as backpacks, hiking poles, child carriers, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents. We also have Family Camping Kits which have items that a family needs to go camping. Check out what is in a Family Camping Kit.
What do I have to do to be able to borrow gear?
To borrow gear you must have a Massanutten Regional Library card (Find out how to get one here) and attend one of our information sessions. Learn about upcoming informational sessions by checking the "Information Sessions" section of the page or by emailing CommunityGearLibrary@gmail.com.
What happens if gear is damaged while I am borrowing it?
You will learn more about our policies at the information session you must attend before being granted access to borrow gear library materials. All items are checked for damage after being returned and you will be charged for the replacement cost of the item or cost to fix/ clean the item.
Resources
What should I pack? Check out our packing list suggestions.
Information Sessions
Before borrowing gear, you must participate in one info session. Summer info sessions have not yet started but we will happily set up a zoom session with you so that you can borrow gear! The zoom will take less than 30 minutes.
Email us at CommunityGearLibrary@gmail.com
Group Hikes
We have hiking groups for the BIPOC community, Women, LGBTQ+ community, and family focused hikes. We will list hike dates on here and on our social media as they are announced. If you have questions or are interested in a specific hiking group please email CommunityGearLibrary@gmail.com
Upcoming group hikes:
4/27 - Women BIPOC Hike
5/19 - BIPOC Hike
Community Gear Library is only possible through financial support. Your tax deductible contribution will help us purchase gear, translate materials, and expand out educational offerings.
501(c)3 Information
Community Gear Library operates under a Joint Plan of Work with Virginia Organizing, which is a 501(c)3 and accepts tax-deductible financial contributions on our behalf.
Virginia Organizing is officially registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209. You can write to this Department for all relevant financial statements and procedures regarding the solicitation of contributions. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.