Family Backpack Kits at the Libraries

Librarians came together through a Good Ideas Grant–funded project to create family backpack kits, giving parents materials to keep their children engaged at the Libraries while they take advantage of collections, services, and spaces.

Overview

According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ 2020 National Postsecondary Aid Survey, approximately 29% of graduate students and 20% of undergraduate students describe themselves as independent with dependents. This translates to roughly 5,000 undergraduates and 2,700 graduate students here at NC State University who potentially have parental responsibilities. While exact numbers are nearly impossible to find, these estimates were enough for Libraries staff at NC State to launch a Good Ideas Grant–funded program to help parents utilize library resources, spaces, and services while their little one(s) tag along.

The backpack kits come in four varieties, based on a target age: 0–2, 2–4, 4–8, and 8–12. Each kit comes with:

  • three books,
  • a coloring book,
  • crayons or colored pencils,
  • a Jot tablet,
  • Magnatiles, and 
  • a pack of Clorox wipes.

There are eight kits each at the Ask Us service points at the Hill and Hunt Libraries and a single kit at each branch library (Veterinary Medicine, Natural Resources, and Design). The branch kits are even themed to the college that houses them! 

Each kit can be checked out for eight hours at a time and can be taken out of the Libraries as needed. 

How We Did It

Our team worked throughout 2024 to build the case for this initiative. We consulted with library staffs across the country who have launched similar programs and collaborated with the president of the newly-formed Student Parent Association at NC State, who kindly surveyed members on their needs related to Libraries services. 

The kit materials were selected based on insights gathered during this research and input from Libraries staff with children. The books were curated through suggestions from Libraries staff and Media and Education Technology Resource Center (METRC) staff, resulting in final selections that are age-appropriate and tailored to the diverse needs of student families.

The result is a collection of backpack kits designed to capture a child’s attention and create excitement about visiting the Libraries, allowing parents the opportunity to fully utilize the Libraries' collections, spaces, and services. Libraries staff at NC State hope to expand this program over the years and are actively looking for and gathering feedback for the next steps. 

Any comments or feedback can be directed to Shaun Bennett.

Results

Team