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Games, Kits, and Other Non-Book Things

Child Holding Colorful Blocks Up To Camera

Think the library only has books? Think again!

The library supports its members in many ways by constantly rethinking what we offer to our members. On this page you’ll find a sampling of non-book library things to enjoy! Some are meant to be used in the library, and others may be taken home. Be sure to visit your local libraries and see what surprises are in store for you!

Search our catalog of over 500,000 items (including our books) here!

Hands-On Kits and STEAM

Let your inner explorer come to life with these hands-on and interactive items from the library. The following items are available for checkout.

Backpack Kits

What’s a backpack kit? We take a topic and assemble related books, information, and equipment, then stuff it all into an easy-to-carry backpack for portable learning and fun! Many are suitable for any age from kid to adult. Current offerings include Birding Backpacks (courtesy of the York Audubon Society; includes REAL binoculars!), a Hiking Backpack, Nature, Eric Carle, and more!

Find backpacks

STEAM Kits for families

Solar Robot Creation Kit Sits On A Table With Elements Spread In Front Of It

It’s not a spa treatment. It’s STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math! STEAM educational kits help fill in gaps when curiosity creeps in.

Visit the STEAM page for events and info!

Music-related things!

Did you know the library offers music CDs, sheet music, and music songbooks? We do! Explore music and media on our ‘Movies & Music’ page.

Movies & Music

Other Hands-On items and STEAM in libraries

Some items are best used in the library. Explore some options below! Different items are available at each library—each of our libraries is unique. Stop by your local library and ask staff what they have available!

Kids learn through play!

From Duplo™ and LEGO® bricks to wooden blocks; dolls and stuffies; K’Nex, MagnaTiles, flash cards, games, and more, our libraries offer a wide variety of toys at a variety of developmental levels to make sure children are engaged and learning through the best thing: free play!

Build social-emotional skills

Several libraries offer interesting and kid-sized things like puppet theatres, complete with a lot of characters to play! Watch your child’s imagination and creativity grow as they tell you a story they made themselves—or join in the fun with them.

Children have a variety of needs

You’ll often see our sensory bins and kits come out during Story Times for those 18 months and older. Children engage their senses of sight, hearing, and touch and build fine and gross motor skills when playing with sensory bins that offer different textures, shapes, and colors.

Technology and Games available for Checkout

Whether you need an internet boost at home or simply want to play the latest trending video game, we have that here for you. Find it at the library, take it home to use or enjoy!

Mobile Hotspots

Take the internet with you. Our Mobile Hotspots check out to library users 18+ for a 3-week period; a $30 fee applies upon checkout. Our Mobile Hotspots work on the T-Mobile network, so you’re covered nearly everywhere in the continental United States. Best of all, data is unlimited, and you can connect up to 9 devices at a time!

Mobile Hotspots Available

Video Games

Family Enjoys Video Gaming During Martin Library Cultural Jam

Downtime is important! Across our libraries, you’ll find console games available for checkout with your consoles at home, including XBox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Wii. Some libraries also have Launchpad Tablets available, which are pre-loaded with a selection of video games for adults such as hidden object games, puzzle games, brain-strengthening games, and more.

View them in the catalog

Blood Pressure Monitor

Thanks to a grant from WellSpan Health, Guthrie Library in Hanover can offer members the loan of a blood pressure monitor. Includes instructions and a digital display; we even supply the batteries.

Place one on Hold

Technology & Games at the Library

This equipment is available for use in the library. Age limits may apply to some.

Teens get hands-on and creative as they use our sewing machines to create cool clothes, fun bags or even whole cosplay costumes (for our Teen Cosplay Fashion Show, of course!). They can get started during a workshop or come by for open working sessions in the fall.

Learn more about Teen Cosplay

Unplug and have some fun! Most of our libraries have chess sets, checkers sets, and decks of playing cards which anyone can use in the library. We also have different board games ranging from young-family-friendly to games for teens and up. Many are educational; all are fun! Ask your local library what they have in stock.

At Martin Library in York City

Just outside the Teens area in Martin Library are the Studios, rooms made for the creative arts! Studio 1 has DJ equipment, including mixers, computers, and headphones (the room has sound-dampening panels too). Studio 2 offers videography and sound recording equipment for podcasting, filming short videos, and more! Studio 3 has a green screen and filming equipment to allow you to set the scene. Available at selected times [or by request]; contact the library for details.

Several of our libraries have educational games pre-loaded on kid-friendly tablets. Ask at the desk if your library offers them! They are available on a first come first serve basis. Some may be at fixed wall stations. Chromebooks are available for when you need to both work on something and keep an eye on your kids in the Children’s area—ask to check out a Chromebook for an hour!

At Guthrie and Martin Libraries

Teens can choose to go head-to-head against other players, or they can all work together on the big screen as they play games. Several consoles were donated by the library’s Friends Group.

Green Spaces Outside the Library

“Go outside and get some fresh air!” You can do that at the library! Several of our libraries have lovely calm memorial gardens and gazebos for some tranquil reading; other libraries get right in the dirt with hands-on gardens and outdoor play spaces.
  • Jordan Richardson Reading Garden At Dillsburg Library

    Dillsburg Area Public Library welcomes you to the Jordan Richardson Reading Garden, where many visitors enjoy sitting and quietly enjoying a library book. The garden is dedicated to the memory of a young Dillsburg resident who was an avid reader and musician and was a collaborative effort by his family, the library, and the Dillsburg community.

  • Three Children Crafting In Kreutz Creek Library Lawn

    Kreutz Creek Library has a small fenced-in area just outside the children’s area where children can safely enjoy outdoor activities!

  • Two Children Enjoy Sensory Walk At Collinsville Library

    Collinsville Area Public Library has a wonderful Sensory Walk with things to hear, touch (gently!), smell, and see. When the school next door is not using it, children can also enjoy the use of the playground next door.

  • Turtle Baby Fountain And Goose Mosaic In Martin Library Courtyard

    Martin Library’s sensory garden is in an enclosed courtyard to the rear of the Children’s area. A beautiful bronze fountain, Turtle Baby, takes center stage (he has a friend in the bushes, too!). A lovely multicolored mosaic brightens the wall. Children and their grown-ups can come hear, look, listen, smell, and enjoy!

  • The Pavilion At Glatfelter Library Is In Memory Of Kate Warner

    Glatfelter Library boasts a Discovery Garden, as well as a beautiful pavilion in memory of local Kate Warner, who enjoyed the library. The Discovery Garden hosts Story Times and activities where children can get hands-on with nature! The pavilion is a calm and tranquil place to enjoy the fresh air.

  • Paul Smith Library Has An Outdoor Seating Area And Garden

    Paul Smith Library has a back porch with a shaded table and chairs as well as this lovely outdoor pergola with built-in benches.

Wherever you are in York County, there’s a library nearby!