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Looking to entertain kids? Books are only the beginning of what your local library offers and what your library card can help you access.

Each of our 39 branches, from Haida Gwaii to Port Hardy and Sooke, is a little unique, offering their own special features ranging from take-and-make crafts to scavenger hunts, Magna Tiles and puzzles. Stop in and explore your local branch or visit our website and check out some of these fun things available to customers across our system.

If you need to get a library card, just visit your local branch or get started online.

Ten ways your can entertain your kids for free

1.Literacy Kits:  These kits are a fun mix of resources, like books, CDs, DVDs and toys that are vetted by librarians and ready for families to explore. You can find a variety of themed bags on topics like wild animals and animals, for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners. To view our entire selection, take a look in our online catalogue.

2. STEAM Tinker Totes:  Tinker Totes are kits that you can take home to explore the five aspects of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Each kit comes in a backpack and can be borrowed for three weeks. Some of the Tinker Totes to choose from include: Code-a-Pillar, Handbells, KEVA Connect Planks, Magna-Tiles and Sensory Playtime. Click here to view our entire selection in our online catalogue.

3.Listen to Music. Whether you are going on a road trip or having a dance party at home, we’ve got you covered! You can access 15-million free (and ad-free) tunes on your device with Freegal Music ( including for kids!). You can stream music up to three hours every day and download five songs each week.

4.  Craft together. Check out one of the craft tutorials on Creativebug!

5. Play video games. Borrow Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch games from your local library. Check out our collection.

6. Stream movies. Watch a movie, read-along story book and more on Kanopy Kids. Kanopy Kids is on Kanopy, which has one of the largest and most unique collections in the world, with movies, documentaries and indie and foreign films. The best part about Kanopy Kids is that you can enjoy unlimited plays and set parental controls.

Hot tip: You can also stream direct to your Smart TV. Sign up through the library first and then follow these instructions.

8. Explore your local library! Take a look at our chock-a-block events calendar to see what’s happening near you. Many of our branches offer fun and educational storytimes for children and families as well and, for those already visiting the branch, there are often activities like scavenger hunts or colouring pages to enjoy.

9.Gather round, everyone. Everyone loves a story told to them. Browse our book recommendations for kids, explore audiobooks and eBooks on the Libby App or Blackstone Unlimited App or sit down and giggle together with these fun animated books from TumbleBookLibrary.

10.Go Wild. Watch the beasts and beauty of the natural world with National Geographic Kids! This resource is great for kids ages 6-14 years old.

The benefits of your library card don’t end here! Did you know we also have learning resources to support kids, or that you can get insurance savings with your library card? Check out the 10 benefits of using your library (and library card).