Bring the library home with new take-home kits

For many families, a visit to their local library branch was something they looked forward to each week. With visits now restricted to picking items up at branch entrances, Kawartha Lakes Public Library has re-fashioned many of its popular library programs and services into several take-home options.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we have reimagined our library services,” says Lyndsay Bowen, library specialist of outreach and community engagement, “it may be different, but we are thrilled that we can continue to offer a unique and enjoyable experience for families at home.”

With the Library’s Book Bundle service, parents and caregivers fill out a form listing a child’s age and reading interests. Library staff then hand pick a custom selection of books from the collection and get them ready for pickup. Families have appreciated the expertise and special care that library staff give to selecting these books.

The library has put together a variety of different “Full STEAM Ahead” kits made up of toys and fun activities, that can be borrowed for one week and deliver a positive, hands-on learning experience that will provide opportunities for discovery and challenge.

Instead of coming into the library for programs involving crafts and technology parents can pick up monthly “Take Home Packs”. The items in these smaller packages are free and don’t need to be returned to the library. The library has two different packages available each month. The “Get Ready to Read” packs are early literacy packs designed for children 2-5 years old. Included are simple activities that develop skills in reading, writing, talking, counting, singing, and playing.

Children 5 years and older can enjoy “Maker Packs” which are presented in partnership with remote learning organization Pinnguaq. The “Maker Packs” are hands-on activities designed to build skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. New packs are released at the beginning of each month and are available on a first come, first serve basis at all 14 library branches.

The library will have a special bonus March Break Take Home pack filled with activities and suggestions on how families can enjoy the week without travelling out of their community.

The library also has many digital library options that everyone can enjoy without having to leave the house. Take part in the library’s virtual programming: enjoy a storytime, participate in a book club, do a Lego challenge, and more. Digital resource offerings include eBooks, electronic audio books and two resource for online movies and television.

To learn more about these services, click here.