Anyone who thinks libraries are stodgy buildings full of dusty tomes of academia hasn’t been to the Mattapoisett Library lately.

Besides bestsellers and classics, there are shelves of music, DVDs and even Blu-ray discs.

And now the local branch has gone one step farther in expanding its catalog of lendable items with fishing poles.

“When folks come for a visit during the summer, they don’t always bring fishing poles. And when parents and grandparents have people visiting, they may not have enough poles. It’s nice to come to the library and borrow one,” said Susan Pizzolato, Director of the library.

Providing rods to patrons at her last post at the Wareham Free Library proved so popular that Pizzolato wanted to introduce the program in Mattapoisett.

Funded by the Library Board of Trustees, there are six saltwater poles and two freshwater available to adult library cardholders.

Pizzolato said the gently used poles can be borrowed with a refundable $5 deposit, and they come with instructions on how to get a fishing license.

For safety reasons, the library does not lend hooks.

Pizzolato said the library can recommend bait and tackle suppliers.

“They are knowledgeable about what tackle you need to buy. It depends on what you’re fishing for and when you’re fishing. We’re not expert enough to have a selection of tackle,” she said.

Since the rods arrived in mid-summer, Pizzolato said, “It’s been a real success. People have been taking them out regularly. I’m sure they’ll be fishing into the fall. We will be leaving them available as long as the season permits.”

Pizzolato would also like to host a fishing clinic soon for wannabe anglers.

“I grew up fishing, and I know it’s a lot of fun. It’s fund for children and adults separately and together. I feel like a lot of people will enjoy the convenience of having the poles at the library,” said Pizzolato.