As the last month of summer break commences, and B.C. Day approaches, the Fort St John Public Library released a toolbox for people looking to explore the great outdoors.
The public library said their new rentable explorer packs can be borrowed by adult library card holders for up to two weeks – the kits contain binoculars, walkie-talkies, magnifying glasses, and other essentials for outdoor exploration.
“It’s a backpack filled with all sorts of equipment and activities to encourage children and adults to explore outdoors,” said Talia Wiens, the program coordinator in children services for the Fort St John Public Library.
Wiens said the library decided to create these explorer packs to motivate people to learn about the world around them – card holders can also rent bocce ball kits, pickle ball sets, and disc golf equipment.
“We were looking to encourage people to be outdoors because learning isn’t all about sitting down and reading a book. There are so many ways to learn about the world around us,” she said.
These kits also make it easier for people to access equipment they may not be able to afford otherwise because the library provides pairs of each of the items, making it suitable for a family.
People who own the items offered by the library often spend hundreds of dollars curating the pack – the explorer pack eliminates this barrier to outdoor exploration.
Activities for the family, like nature bingo, are also in the pack for families who are hiking or camping and need to occupy the littles.
The most important piece of advice Wiens had for people renting the explorer pack and trying to find an activity was for them to, “have fun,” while exploring Fort St John and the surrounding areas.
Kits must be returned to the front desk of the library and cannot be left in the drop box, Wiens said – she also reminded residents of their hours, which are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, the facility is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
