The Kirkland Town Library American Girl® Collection began as a collaborative effort involving the Kirkland Town Library, the Clinton Historical Society, the Clinton Courier, and the Kirkland Art Center. Our goal was, and still is, to provide our community with a unique way to explore historical periods.

Each doll circulates with, among other things, a booklet depicting life in Clinton during the doll’s era. So when a patron borrows a doll, they also borrow a piece of local history too.

Each doll can be checked out for one week.

Dolls

FAQ

Where can I borrow a doll?

The dolls are available for checkout at the Kirkland Town Library only.  If the doll you would like is checked out, you can place your name on a request list and we will call you when it’s your turn.  At this time, only patrons of the Kirkland Town Library can sign up to take a doll home, holds cannot be placed on the dolls and they cannot be sent to other libraries. A doll may only be checked out by an a patron 18 years or older

Can I check out more than one doll at a time?

No. To give everyone a chance to play with the dolls, we limit them to one per checkout. As soon as you bring your doll back, you can check out another.

What is the borrowing period?

One week (7 days) with no renewals

Are there overdue fines for late returns?

Our library does not charge late fees. Please bring your items back as soon as possible so others may borrow them. However, if the doll is lost or damaged, the full cost of the dolls, traveling case and accessories will be charged.

Where do I return my doll?

Dolls must be returned to the Kirkland Town Library’s front desk. Please do not return the dolls in the Book Return.

What comes in an American Girl® Doll Kit?

Each kit includes:

• 1 doll

• Set of doll clothes

• A doll’s brush

• The first book about the character

• A guide depicting life in Clinton during the doll’s era

• A journal to record the doll’s ongoing adventures

• Folding bed with pillow and blanket

• Carrying case

• A tag listing contents and use guidelines

How do I care for a doll?

Please do:

• Gently brush and style your doll’s hair with the provided doll’s brush.

Please do not:

• Cut or shampoo or color the doll’s hair (it can get frizzy and damaged).

• Wash the doll or her clothes.

• Mend her clothes or the doll.

Cleaning the dolls will be done by volunteers upon their return to the library.

Why a journal?

We hope that you will write a paragraph/draw a picture about the doll’s stay with you. Please use a half page of the journal and date your entry. It will become a book about our dolls' adventures.

How is the program funded?

The American Girl® Doll Collection was created through the work of a volunteer committee. We welcome donations of any amount for ongoing maintenance, purchase of related materials and programming support. Please designate any gifts to the KTL American Girl® Doll Collection.

We also welcome donations of like-new or used-but-in-good-condition American Girl® Dolls, including the historic characters that can no longer be purchased. Dolls received become the property of the Kirkland Town Library.

All donations are tax-deductible.