This summer the Cazenovia Public Library wants kids to put down their books, turn off their devices and get outside. As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “We need the tonic of wilderness,” and the library has added items to its circulation to encourage the exploration and enjoyment of Cazenovia’s local backyard.

Would you like to try a hand at fishing? The library now loan fishing rods. Ever thought of hosting a croquet match? They have croquet sets. Do you have a curious child who loves nature? The library’s Children’s Nature Explorer Kits are the tool for a fun afternoon.

In addition to these new services, the library continues to loan out passes to the Stone Quarry Art Park — a place to take visiting guests or to enjoy some quiet.

The fishing rods, croquet sets, Nature Kits and Art Park passes are all tools to combat the growing distractions of a device-driven world. A survey conducted by the National Parks and Recreation association found that work, television and smart devices were the leading causes of Nature-Deficit Disorder, or a disconnect between ourselves and the environment.

The new items offered by the library open new possibilities and avenues for families to overcome this disorder. Anyone interested in the library’s new items should inquire at the circulation desk; persons interested in a fishing rod must obtain a fishing license prior to checkout.

When determining the location of your next adventure, look no further than GoCaz.com, the online map with local outdoor recreation and cultural sites, or ask a librarian to help find a book on the subject.