Borrow bags of tips and tools to inspire children’s relationships with the outdoors.

Did you know the library offers “I Love Virginia State Parks” Nature Backpacks, which include a free pass to Virginia State Parks?

These bags are full of educational materials and tools for the young naturalist:

• Binoculars
• Pocket guides to weather, medicinal plants, animal tracks and Virginia wildlife
• Port-a-bug field observation container
• Dip net
• Laminated sheets with suggested activities designed by both Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia

Search the library catalog for “nature backpack” or “I Love Virginia State Parks” to see the library branches where backpacks are currently available. They can be borrowed for two weeks and renewed up to three times if no one is waiting.* Checking out Nature Backpacks from the library is a great way for families to jump-start spring with a renewed relationship with nature, either at one of Virginia’s 36 state parks, at a local park or in their own backyards. 

The I Love Virginia State Parks Nature Backpacks are provided through a partnership with the Library of Virginia, the Science Museum of Virginia and Virginia State Parks.

*Nature Backpacks are among FCPL's special collections that still accrue daily late fines.