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Looking for fun ways to spend spring break? We can help! Books are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what libraries offer 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 too, offering special features ranging from seed libraries to mystery book bags and take-and-make crafts.

Stop in and explore your local library or visit our website and check out some of these fun things available to customers across our system.

Here are 10 fun things to do at the library this spring break:

1.Island Treasures Contest. From March 10 to April 10, we are hosting an outdoor treasure hunt for children aged 0-12. Stop by your local branch for an entry form or print one here. Kids have the chance to win a cool prize pack!

2.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. You can stream music up to three hours every day and download five songs each week.

3. Create a 3D bookmark or any 3D masterpiece! If you think it, you can make it on our 3D printer. Design something fun with your family and send it to our Creativity Commons team in Nanaimo and they’ll print it and send the result to your home branch.  At $0.10 per gram, it’s an affordable and fun activity. Learn more and get tips on how to create your design. If you are in Nanaimo, stop by and see how the 3D printer works!

4. Craft together. Visit your local branch to see if it has a take-and-make craft kit for kids or check out one of the craft tutorials on Creativebug! We’ve put together a list of our 10 favourite spring break crafts, from galaxy slime to adorable Easter chicks, bubble prints, paper pinwheels and more! Find it here.

*Note: For free access, log in to CreativeBug through our website before clicking the links.

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

6. Visit one of our seed libraries. Some of our branches have seed libraries where you and your family can pick up free seed packs to start your garden! During seed harvesting, try your hand at seed saving and donate seeds back to the library to help keep it stocked. Participating branches include:  Nanaimo North, Creativity Commons (Nanaimo Harbourfront branch), Gabriola Island, Qualicum Beach, Bowser, Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, Quadra Island, Tahsis, Gold River, Port Hardy, Bella Coola and Sooke. We hear one is starting up soon in Cowichan (stay tuned!).

7. 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 26,000 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 this spring break. 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, colouring pages and take-and-make crafts to enjoy.

9.Gather round, everyone. Everyone loves a story told to them. Browse our spring break print and digital book recommendations, explore audiobooks and eBooks on the Libby App or visit your local branch to stock up on great reads. You can also 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.

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