Juggling childcare and academia can be hard! The University of Virginia Library wants to make it easier.
Beginning in fall 2024, the UVA Library is offering Childcare Fun Packs for check out at Shannon Library. The Fun Packs are sets of age-appropriate entertainment materials, available to caregivers of all kinds.
Packs are designed to serve a variety of developmental phases. For the youngest Library visitors, sets include colorful blocks and stacking toys, among other things. For older kids, sets include STEM toys, brain teasers, and tools for artwork and creative play. An activity mat and play pen are also available for check out.
Ryan Buller, Director of Information Services and Spaces, worked with the Library team to implement the program. Buller comments:
“We know there are library patrons in our community who provide care for children. We hope the fun packs can helps these folks out and give a little support to help make things just a little easier.”
All packs include coloring materials, toys, and books, as well as baby wipes and disinfecting wipes.
Come borrow a Fun Pack!
Packs are available from Shannon Library Service & Information desk on the fourth floor, and they normally circulate for three hours at a time. Three different levels are available: 0 – 24 mos, 2 – 4 years, and 5 – 7 years.
We want to hear from you! There’s a link to a survey in the fun pack: let us know how we can serve you better.
In addition to Childcare Fun Packs in Shannon Library, Clemons Library (right next door, and connected to Shannon by a tunnel on the second floor!) offers toys and games for loan, and houses the Juvenile book collection on the first floor.
Hoping for a little personal space? Check out room reservations in Shannon, or in Clemons on the first or second floors.