Skip to main content

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 other than just books. 

With your library card, you can check out a launchpad to play curated educational games, an explorer backpack for your next park adventure, try your hand at playing a ukulele or connect anywhere with a hotspot. 

 

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

 

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

 

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 LINK HERE.

 

 

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

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 

 

 How do I check out an Explorer Kit? 

  • There are two kinds of explorer kits, adults and kids. The kits must be borrowed on an Adult library card only.  
  • Explorer Kits check out for 3 weeks and may be renewed up to 3 times if there are no holds. 
  • One backpack per library card.  
  • Explorer Kits may be placed on hold by visiting any Buena Park Library location, or by calling the Reference Desk at (714) 826-4100 ext. 125 

 

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 check out this link on our website: https://buenaparklibrary.org/california-state-library-parks-pass 

These programs are made possible with support from the California State Parks and the California State Library, with funds from the State of California. 

 

Mobile Wi Fi Hotspots

 

Launchpad 

Search "launchpad" in the online catalog

More information about the launchpads can be found on the Kid's Library of Things page here :  Launchpads

 

Boombox 

The boombox is a top-loading CD/CD-R/CD-RW player, AM/FM stereo radio, LED display for CD Function, 20-track programmable memory, AUX IN jack, AC Power Supply. 

Boombox/CD Player

 

 

A ukulele in an open black soft case on a wooden surface.

 

Ukulele 

The ukulele includes 1 ukulele in case: mahogany with nato neck and rosewood fingerboard. Search “Cordoba concert ukulele”