Did you know your library is full of nature adventures waiting to be borrowed?
Libraries across British Columbia aren’t just for books, they’re also packed with FREE educational resources that help kids and families explore nature together. Many libraries have incredible nature-themed kits available for check out that equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to explore the outdoors on your own time. Whether you’re searching for birds, listening for bats, discovering bugs, gazing at the stars, or hiking your favorite trails, there’s something at the library for your next nature adventure.
To celebrate BC Day, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the many awesome family nature learning kits available at libraries near our Nature Clubs. Make sure to grab your library card and get excited to head outside!
Burnaby
Burnaby Public Library lends out Birding Backpacks which are equipped with a set of binoculars, activity sheets, and species identification guides. Easy and fun for birders of all levels! Learn more here.
Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley Child Care Resources & Referral Resource’s Toy Lending Library program provides free access to educational resources and equipment. Available at Clements Centre, there is a variety of toy kits for curious kids of all ages, including:
🪴Garden Basket
🐝Life Cycle of Bees, Frogs & Ladybugs
🐞Bug Basket
🌲Forest & Mountain Animals
🌊Ocean Basket
🐟Sea Life & Salmon
🍂Seasons
🪶Aboriginal Culture Kits
Learn more here.
Gibsons
The Gibsons & District Public Library has several ‘Get Outside’ kits where you can choose your own adventure, including Bat Boxes, Binoculars kits, and Telescope kits. Learn more here.
Fraser Valley Region
The Fraser Valley Regional Library has ‘Playground’ Kits across its 25 library branches. Spark new interests, dive deeper into new nature topics, and gain hands-on experience using their Bird Watching Backpacks, Bat Backpacks, and Nature Packs. Learn more here.
Thompson-Nicola Region
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library has Outdoor Exploration Packs available across its 13 library branches, including their Bat Packs and Budding Birder Backpacks. Learn more here.
Okanagan/Shuswap Region
The Okanagan Regional Library operates a Library of Things program across its 30 library branches, including their BatPack kits and Bird Backpacks. Learn more here.
Kitimat / Terrace
The Terrace Public Library has a Library of Things program, including kits like a Birdwatching Backpack, Stargazing Backpack, Weather Kits, and Microscopes. Learn more here.
Lillooet
The Lillooet Area Library Association operates a Library of Things program to support shared community resources while also providing fun ways of learning. Discover the themes of their Explore Kits for Kids, including:
Learn more here.
Nelson
The Nelson Public Library operates a Library of Things program with backpacks full of curated nature and cultural educational resources, including:
🐦Birding Backpacks
🥾Hiking Backpacks
🦇Bat Packs
🍎Fruit Picker Set
🪶Indigenous Stories Kit
❤️Anti-Racism Kit
Learn more here.
North Vancouver
The North Vancouver District Public Library just came out with brand new Bird Watching Kits making it easy to get started with bird watching and nature exploring! These backpacks include binoculars and nature pockets guides. Learn more here.
The North Vancouver City Library also has several Birding Backpacks as well as Hiking Backpacks – perfect for exploring the North Shore trails! Learn more here.
Penticton
The Penticton Public Library has Outdoor Exploration Education Backpacks, including BatPacks, Birdwatching Backpacks, Hiking Backpacks, and Telescope Totes. Learn more here.
Prince George
The Prince George Public Library has a wide range of kits and gadgets to borrow for your outdoor adventures, including:
🦇Bat Backpacks
🐦Bird Watching Backpacks
🥾Hiking Backpacks
🔭Telescopes
Learn more here.
Richmond
The Richmond Public Library StoryWalks program is a fun, educational activity that promotes literacy, learning, and outdoor play. Pages of a storybook are displayed along a trail, allowing families and educators to read as they walk from tree to tree. There are 20 StoryWalk Kits to discover! Learn more here.
Salt Spring Island
The Salt Spring Island Public Library lends out Birding Backpacks which are equipped with a set of binoculars, activity sheets, and species ID guides. Great for birders of all levels! Learn more here.
Sechelt
The Sechelt Library lends STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Kits, including:
Learn more here.
Squamish
The Squamish Public Library operates an extensive Library of Things program, with educational kits including:
🦇Bat Detector & Education Kits
🧪STEAM Kits
🗑️Clean-up Kits
🐦Binoculars
🔬Microscopes
🔭Telescopes
🪨Rock Tumblers
🗣️Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim Language Kit
Learn more here.
TriCities
The Coquitlam Public Library has ‘Explore the Outdoors’ tools and toys for outdoor explorations, including binoculars, ID guides, GoPros, and telescopes. Learn more here.
The Port Moody Public Library also has Bat Packs available to borrow and discover the fascinating world of nocturnal wildlife! Learn more here.
Valemount
The Valemount Public Library operates a Library of Things program, including their birding kits and telescopes. Learn more here.
Vancouver Island
The Vancouver Island Regional Library has Kids Kits available across its 39 branches, with fun literacy, cultural, and educational themes. Learn more here.
The Greater Victoria Public Library StoryWalks program is an innovative and delightful way for children – and adults – to enjoy stories in the great outdoors. Pages from a children’s book are hung or attached to wooden stakes along a path outdoors. As you stroll down the trail, you’ll go from page to page, enjoying the story along with a walk in nature. There are 30 StoryWalk Kits to discover! Learn more here.
Whistler
The Whistler Public Library’s ‘Unusual Items to Borrow’ collection contains kits including:
🌱Soil Testing Kits
🔭Telescopes
🔬Microscopes
🐦Birding Kits
🦇Bat Detector Kits
🪨Rock Tumbler Kits
💡Discovery Kits
Learn more here.
Province-Wide Resources
FireSmart BC Library Program: Designed to help children understand what it means to live with wildfires and the role they can play in mitigating the impacts of wildfires on their homes and community. Available at select libraries and available on request. Learn more here.
Library Water Testkit Lending Program: Designed to equip communities with simple tools to monitor water quality and share open data. Available at select libraries and available on request. Learn more here.
NatureKids BC NatureWILD Activities: Use your NatureWILD magazines for activity ideas and inspiration to get outside and learn more about nature! Learn more here.
We hope you enjoy a summer filled with nature-loving fun!
Written by Caitlin Lichimo, NatureKids BC Membership Coordinator, Communications & Marketing Assistant