Library of Things

"Library of Things" image with tablets, backpack, books, California State Library Parks Pass, and ukulele.

Welcome to our Library of Things page where we offer items beyond books. 

With your adult library card, you can check out a Launchpad loaded with curated educational games to engage young learners, a California Nature Explorer Backpack stocked with tools and activities for your next park adventure, a CD Boombox to enjoy your favorite music and audiobooks, a ukulele to learn a new instrument and discover your musical talents, or a mobile hotspot to stay connected with internet access wherever you go.

 

California Nature Explorer Backpack Kits

In partnership with CA State Parks and California State Library, the Buena Park Library District now offers several themed Nature Explorer Backpack Kits for checkout.

Backpack kits are intended to make outdoor experiences accessible to everyone by providing books, equipment, and safety information to beginner-level explorers. 

Purple backpack with outdoor gear and guides, California State Library parks pass, scenic nature background, logo of Buena Park Library District.

Here is a list of backpack kits:

Introduction to Hiking and the Outdoors 
Hiking essentials: purple backpack, books, compass, flashlight, first aid kit, binoculars, and a hiking guide badge.

 The Intro to Hiking & Outdoors backpack includes:

  • Backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • First Aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Maps
  • Trail guides and instruction booklets
  • CA Parks Pass

Check the status of the backpack Intro to Hiking & Outdoors.

Insects 
Backpack with first aid kit, binoculars, compass, flashlight, field guides on insects, and books on California nature and first aid.

The Insects backpack includes:

  • Backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Bug viewer/magnifier
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps, guides
  •  Field Guide of California Insects
  • Insects of North America
  • California Butterflies and Pollinators

Check the status of the backpack Insects.

 

Beaches and Tidepools 
Outdoor gear with a backpack, flashlight, compass, first aid kit, books on wilderness, and tide pools guide.

The Beaches & Tidepools backpack includes:

  • Backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps, guides
  • Seashore of Southern California Field Guide
  • California Seashore Life

Check the status of the backpack Beaches & Tidepools

 

Trees, Plants and Flowers 
Hiking essentials: backpack, binoculars, first aid kit, compass, flashlight, mirror, plant guides, and wilderness first aid pamphlet.

The Trees, plants and flowers backpack includes:

  • Backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps, guides
  • California Guide to trees and wildflowers
  • Tree and Shrubs of North America
  • Wildflowers of North America

Check the status of the backpack - LOST

Rocks and Minerals 
Backpack, binoculars, flashlight, first aid kit, compass, shovel, field guides, and a book on rockhounding and minerals.

The Rocks and Minerals backpack includes:

  • Backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Folding Shovel
  • Loupe
  • Maps, guides
  • Rockhounding for Beginners
  • Rocks & Minerals of North America

Check the status of the backpack Rocks and Minerals

 

Basic Explorer Backpack 
A backpack, parks pass, first aid kit, flashlight, compass, map case, wildlife guides, and a pouch on a table.

The Basic backpack includes:

  • Backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps, guides
  • CA Parks Pass

Check the status of the backpack Basic Backpack.

 

California State Library Parkes Passes are included when you check out an Adult backpack. 

Backpacks include: 

  • Compass 
  • Guide books 
  • Flashlight 
  • Binoculars 
  • Maps 
  • First Aid Kit 
  • And other items specific to the theme 

Backpack Kit FAQs:

 How do I check out an Explorer Kit? 

  • There are two kinds of explorer kits, adults and kids. The kits may only be borrowed on an Adult library card in good standing.
  • Explorer Kits check out for 3 weeks and may be renewed up to 3 times if there are no holds. 
  • Only one backpack may be checked out per library card.  
  • Explorer Kits may be placed on hold.  Please contact the library if you need assisstance.

How do I return an Explorer Kit? 

  • Borrowers must return Explorer Kits in-person during open hours at the circulation desk. 
  • Explorer Kits may not be returned in any book drop.  
  • Borrower is responsible for any lost or damaged equipment. 

For more information regarding the California States Parks Pass please visit: https://buenaparklibrary.org/california-state-library-parks-pass 

This program is made possible with support from the California State Parks and the California State Library, with funds from the State of California. 

 

Other Items Available In Our Library of Things Collection:

 

Blood Pressure Monitors

More information about our blood pressure monitors can be found on our Blood Pressure Monitor page.

Click here to search our online catalog for Blood Pressure Monitor availability.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots

More information about our hotspots may be found on our  Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots page.

Click here to search our online catalog for Mobile Hotspot availability.

Launchpads

More information about the launchpads may be found on the  Kid's Library of Things page.

Click here to search our online catalog for Launchpad availability.

Boomboxes

The boombox kit includes a top-loading CD/CD-R/CD-RW player with AM/FM stereo radio and  AUX jack, and an AC Power Supply. 

Click here to search our online catalog for Boombox/CD Player availability.

Ukuleles 

The ukulele kit includes 1 Cordoba concert ukulele (mahogany with nato neck and rosewood fingerboard), a carrying case, and tuner. 

Click here to search our online catalog for ukulele availability.