By Sahadev Poudel, Adult Services Librarian, Chantilly Regional Library
We all know that there are endless ways to have fun at your local library, but did you know Fairfax County Public Library can help you have fun outside of our branches? From exploring the outdoors with our nature backpacks or binoculars to taking storytime beyond the library doors and more, check out how you and your little ones can enjoy great weather with these library resources and programs!
Nature Backpacks
This backpack is chock full of tools to help budding naturalists make the most of their trip through the wilderness. Part of FCPL’s Library of Things, the pack also includes a free day pass to any Virginia State Park so you can put your tools to use for free! Discover all of what is inside at this link.
Binoculars
Get a close-up view of sights far and wide with a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S Binoculars. With an 8x magnification, 42mm effective diameter of the lens and a field of view of 7.2 degrees, these binoculars are perfect for those who need a closer look, whether it's at a sporting event, in our beautiful national, state and local parks, or a gathering of local bird watchers. Take a closer look at this resource here.
Light Pollution Monitoring Kit
Also known as a Dark Skies kit, this Library of Things item allows everyone the chance to become a citizen scientist and help collect data on light pollution in your local communities. This data, when uploaded following the instructions, is then used by professional scientists to create solutions to this important environmental issue. Learn more on our website.
Outdoor Storytimes
Who says reading a book and singing song has to happen inside? Two of our branches regularly host (weather-dependent) outdoor storytimes in nearby green spaces, including Kings Park Library’s Storytime on the Lawn (monthly) and Martha Washington Library’s Outside Family Storytime (weekly.) Several other branches will have the occasional pop-up outdoor program as well. A complete list of all storytimes can be found here.
Themed Book Kits
Create an outdoor storytime of your own with one of FCPL’s Themed Book Kits. Available from FCPL administration, these kits are bagged collections of early literacy books surrounding a particular theme. Topics include seasons, baby animals, numbers, dinosaurs and more. Search our catalog for kits and place one on hold here.
Story Strolls
Maybe you like a little movement with your story? In that case, check out story strolls! These outdoor (and sometimes indoor) activities take readers on a journey down a path as they walk, crawl or roll to get to the next page. Availability of story strolls vary by branch and time of year, while Martha Washington Library has one available on the trail behind the branch at all times. Chantilly Regional Library and Herndon Fortnightly Library also have indoor strolls during branch operational hours.
Plant Swaps and Seed Libraries
Our libraries are also places to find resources for other outdoor pursuits – like gardening! In addition to gardening books and our growing number of seed libraries – small collections of packaged seeds you can take home from participating branches and plant in your personal garden – many of our locations also host plant swap programs. At these events community members can bring cuttings and seedling plants from their own gardens to swap, or simply donate, to others with a green thumb. You don’t even have to bring a plant to participate. Locate one at a library near you here.
Just as the weather changes day to day and season to season, so does the outdoor fun you can have with the help of FCPL. For the latest information on our collection, programs and services, visit us online at fairfaxcounty.gov/library and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.