IN DEMAND: Save Power Kits are second only to the EL James novel, 50 Shades of Grey, in terms of borrower demand at your local library, according to Kay Delahunt, who, by the way, hasn’t read the book. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 111012GOB01
THEY’RE almost as popular as the steamiest mummy porn book in years – and Tamworth City Library staff can’t keep up the demand.
It’s the same at Manilla and, as the word spreads further, everyone’s going to want to borrow a Save Power Kit.
With electricity prices on an upward spiral, the free, handy Save Power Kits are an ideal way for households to learn more about the power they use and more importantly, how to reduce energy bills.
The kit contains a Power-Mate Lite, to measure the power used by your TV, washing machine, dryer, fridge or other appliances – and show you how much each costs to run and the carbon pollution created; two thermometers to detect hot or cold spots in your home as well as optimal temperatures for your fridges, freezers, heating and cooling; a stopwatch to time how long you spend in the shower and your hot water usage; a compass showing the direction your home faces and the handy user guide,worksheet and action plan.
“In terms of our reservations, they’re the most heavily demanded items behind 50 Shades of Grey – and that’s the truth,” Tamworth Regional Library manager Kay Delahunt said.
“They’re the second most popular of our reserved items.”
Once you’ve checked your appliances, heating, cooling and lighting, you return the kit but keep the action plan and worksheet to help you on your way to saving money, power and reducing your impact on the environment.
Werris Creek branch librarian Marilyn Deeks said the demand for the kit they had was becoming more popular as people found out about it.
“We have one and it’s on loan at the moment,” Ms Deeks said.
“It’s taken a while for people to realise we have it here. There are so many more resources at your local library than people realise or would even think about.”
At the customer service-focused Manilla Library, the Save Power Kit had proved exceedingly popular.
Staff issue the kits and the borrower returns them, and as it has so many bits and pieces to it, each item in the kit is checked off, giving staff an opportunity to get feedback on its success.
“Some people have something in mind they want to check to see how much power is being used,” the staffer said.
“It might be a draft somewhere, or whatever. It’s fantastic. There’s some fun stuff in there, like the infrared thermometer, and they’re easy to use.
“If you can follow instructions, you can get a lot out of it. Customers like the fact they get to keep the action plan and worksheet, so they have a checklist of problem areas and handy solutions.”
If you’d like to save some money – and who doesn’t these days – check with your local library and ask about the hottest little borrower on offer.