Winter Break Wonders: Library Kits, Streaming Platforms, and More

Whether it's stargazing, bird watching, exploring the outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or discovering new books, the library has several curated kits to help kick start activities with friends and family. Read on to learn more about our kits as well as other resources to enjoy with loved ones over the holiday break.

Some of our kits are quite popular, so we recommend visiting our catalog to check their availability and place a hold if needed. 

GET OUTDOORS

• Nature Kits
  • Great for exploring the outdoors and getting some fresh air with the family, our Nature Backpacks contain field guides, discovery activities, observation tools (including a dip net and magnifying glass), and a parking pass for free entry to any Virginia State Park!

• Birding Backpacks
  • Designed for children and families curious about birds and the natural world, our Birding Backpacks can be used anywhere. Whether your holiday travels bring you to your backyard, a local park, or a national landmark, Birding Backpacks come equipped with everything you’ll need: binoculars, field guides, and activities.

• Stargazing Kits
  • Stargazing kits are the latest to be added to our collection and were made possible by a Community Action Grant from Meta. Perfect for exploring the winter night sky, each kit includes a telescope with instructions, lens accessories, a Guide to the Stars finder wheel, and books about stars and constellations.

FIND GREAT READS

• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
  • Join the library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and set your little one(s) up with a goal they can work toward in the New Year and beyond! Our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten backpacks make finding books for the Challenge easier than ever. Each backpack includes its own unique set of 10 books perfect for readers from birth to age five. 

• Read to Me Kits
  • Designed to help build literacy and keep littles ones learning and entertained, each Read to Me kit includes three books, a puzzle, a DVD, and an educational activity sheet.

• Book Club Bags
  • Bring family and friends together with a group read! If you’ve been itching to start your own book club, make things easy with one of our Book Clubs in a Bag. Each portable tote bag contains eight copies of a title with discussion questions. Browse a variety of title options to find the right fit for your group.

In addition to these curated kits, check out our Staff Picks lists for kids, teens, and adults to find recommended reads to keep you busy over the holidays and into 2025.

STAY CONNECTED

• Caregiver Kits
  • For family members or friends who may be experiencing memory loss, try a Caregiver kit from the library. Each Caregiver kit centers around a different theme and includes materials such as books, DVDs, and images to help kick start conversations.

• Hotspots
  • This holiday season, stay connected with loved ones with a small portable hotspot from the library. HCPL hotspots allow you to wirelessly connect to the internet for free, no matter where you are. Library card holders ages 18 and older can place a hold on a hotspot and have it sent to their preferred library branch. Hotspots are available for 28-day checkout periods (non-renewable).

• Libby, Hoopla, and Magzter
  • Perfect for holiday travel or spending time at home, our Downloads and Streaming platforms make accessing books, movies, music, magazines and more as simple as opening your tablet or smartphone device. Browse thousands of ebooks and audiobooks on Libby, find more ebooks and audiobooks (plus movies, television, and music) on Hoopla, and read some of your favorite magazines through Magzter. Access to all platforms is free with an HCPL card.

VISIT THE LIBRARY!

And last but not least, visiting the library is also a great way to get out and spend time with friends and family. Browse the collection, hop on a computer, attend a program, or just enjoy being in a comfortable and welcoming space.  A reminder: be sure to check the holiday schedule on our homepage before making a trip. From our HCPL family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday break!