Did You Know: Family Resources at the Library

In addition to books, programs, and Storytimes, the Library offers a variety of materials and resources for families. Whether you’re a new parent, in a household with teens, or the caregiver to an elder adult (or all of the above), the Library offers resources for everyone in the family! Read on to learn more.

• Family Resource Center Collection – All library locations have a Family Resource Center collection. Designated by their spine label, these titles are shelved in the Children’s area. These special interest titles are helpful for families looking for guidance on particular issues such as potty training, family dynamics, disabilities, and more. 

• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Backpack Kits – Developed for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, these kits can be found in your library’s Children’s department. Each backpack contains ten unique books perfect for young readers. Participation in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is not required to check out a kit. And if you’re looking for more curated book bundles, try our Read to Me kits. Each kit includes three books, a DVD, and an activity sheet. To check availability and place a hold, visit our online catalog.

• Nature Backpack Kit – Perfect for a family hike, these kits contain different field guides and nature tools and can be checked out at your library’s Circulation desk. There you will also receive a pass for free parking and entrance to all Virginia State Parks. Nature kits are available at Area libraries but can be placed on hold and transferred to any of our library locations. Search our online catalog to check for availability. 

• Caregiver Kits for Adults – Caregiver kits include a variety of resources such as DVDs, CDs, books, picture sets, and program guides that  focus on different themes like holidays, farm life, and Richmond. These kits are available in the Adult sections of our Area libraries but can be placed on hold and transferred to any of our library locations. 

Special resources: 

• Birding Stations – Patrons can visit the Children’s reference desk at Varina, Tuckahoe, and Twin Hickory to check out binoculars to use at special birding stations. These stations have large, colorful bird guides to help teach children how to identify birds in the area.

• Family Comfort Room – Fairfield’s Children’s department has a special room designed for families. This room provides a quiet, comfortable space with adjustable lighting for feeding infants and serves as a calming environment for sensory purposes. Additionally, Libbie Mill has a private, free-standing lactation pod in the Children’s area.  

• Caregiver Work-and-Play Stations - Fairfield’s work-and-play stations offer caregivers a space where they can work while also keeping an eye on their little ones. Available in the Children’s department, each of the four computer stations provides a work space attached to an enclosed and padded play area where little ones can engage with interactive games and literacy activities. 

• Teen Spaces – Teens looking for a space to hang out can visit any of our library’s designated teen areas. Book a study room for a quiet place to work, or if you’re in need of some down time (and are in grades 6-12), sign up to play video games in your Teen area! Contact your library for more details. 

In addition to the above, HCPL offers a variety of programs and a wealth of digital resources including ebook and eaudiobooks, music, movie and television streaming, plus research and learning databases. Keep an eye out for our continuing “Did You Know” series to learn more!