Additional Programming Kits

YRL has a wide variety of kits other than makerspace and storytime kits. Programming can span all subject areas and for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interest levels. Our kits can help with your programming needs. The kits below are available to borrow, so reach out to kits@yrl.ab.ca anytime to book one today!

Indigenous Kit Collections

General Interest for Adults

This kit comprises various nonfiction and fiction titles, supplemented with audiovisual materials, to create a browsing collection suitable for public libraries.

General Interest for All Ages

This collection includes a diverse range of books and music for children, teens, and adults. It is ideal for supplementing a public library collection or temporary display.

Indigenous Animals Storytime Kit

You can learn more about North American animals from an Indigenous perspective. Whether it’s details about what animals live in a region or an origin story explaining the personalities of specific animals, this kit will help kids to understand more about animals and the Indigenous relationship with them. This kit includes a wide variety of indigenous books, puppets, and props, ideal for storytime or a puppet show!

Indigenous Elders Storytime Kit

Whether it’s medicine learned from Aunties, bannock recipes from Kokum, or family history from Mushum, Elders have so much knowledge to pass along to younger generations. Help to promote these intergenerational connections with Indigenous stories, puppets, and games centered around Elders and their teachings. This kit includes various Indigenous books, DVDs, puppets, and props, which are ideal for storytime or a puppet show!

Métis Kit

Looking for resources to support your programming during National Indigenous History Month or any time of year? Check out this brand-new addition to the Indigenous Collection! This kit contains several books for all ages showcasing the Métis experience.

This kit includes over 20 titles for all ages. It also includes music CDs, a video, a ceramic doll in traditional dress, a Métis sash, and an assortment of puppets for storytime or programming.

*Note: The kit may not contain every book listed, as some may be checked out by patrons at any given time.

Cree Syllabics Kit

The Cree Syllabics Kit is a complete set of syllabics, spirit markers, and a few accents. Like the development of language learning apps, Indigenous people are finding different ways to reach their young learners in hopes they will carry the language on, and this is one of those tools that can share the love of the Cree language.

This kit includes one bin of assorted 3D-printed Cree Syllabics, 16 laminated flashcards, and one book of Cree words in syllabic.

*Note: New books added!

Smudging Kit

Facilitate smudging ceremonies and empower patrons to practice their own smudge in your library. Learn about the four sacred medicines and their uses in smudging and beyond. Connect with local indigenous communities to build relationships and share traditional knowledge in the library.

This kit includes an abalone Shell, Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass, Matches, Smudge Spray, Talking Stick, Blankets, Tobacco Ties, an Air Purifier, and the following books: Braiding Sweetgrass.

Truth & Reconciliation Kit

Support your library with books for all ages about residential school experiences and the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action. Create displays featuring books, DVDs, the survivor flag, and Every Child Matters signs.

This kit includes: Survivor Flag, Two Every Child Matters Signs, Calls to Action English Booklet, Calls to Action French Booklet, Three DVDs and the following books: 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, Behind Closed Doors, The Boy from Buzwah, Buffalo is the New Buffalo, Call Me Indian, First Nations 101, Gaawin gindaaswin ndaawsii = I am not a number, Honorer la verite, reconcilier pour l'avenir, Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future, Indigenous Relations, Ispík kákí péyakoyak = When we were alone, kâ-pî-isi-kiskisiyân, Kill the Indian, Save the Man, Kimotinâniwiw itwêwina = Stolen words, The Knowing, The Memoirs of Miss Chief Eagle Testickle Vol. 1 & 2, Namwayut, Nishga, North of Nowhere, Reconciliation & Indigenous Justice, The Scarf and the Butterfly, Standoff, Sugar Falls, Surviving Canada: Indigenous Peoples Celebrate 150 Years of Betrayal, Truth, and Reconciliation in Canadian Schools, Two Roads, Valley of the Birdtail, Wabanang, and The Witness Blanket.

*Note: The kit may not contain every book listed above, as some may be checked out by patrons at any given time.

Resources

Indigenous Mental Health Resources Pamphlet

Encountering Strong Emotional Reactions Pamphlet - Indigenous Services Canada

Ribbon Skirt Sewing Kit

We are excited to launch the latest additions to our Indigenous Kit Collection: two Ribbon Skirt Sewing kits! These kits contain sewing machines, irons, and accessories for ribbon skirt sewing. Books, sewing instructions, and resource lists are also available to support staff and patrons while sewing their ribbon skirts. Intermediate sewing skills are not necessary but recommended.

Indigenous Art Kit

A diverse range of books showcases traditional and contemporary Indigenous art and artists, offering patrons a rich visual, cultural, and creative experience.

Powwow Kit

Check out the latest addition to our Indigenous Collections Kits! The Powwow Kit includes picture books, DVDs, CDs, and props related to the Powwow. These materials can be used for a Storytime program, and additional books and CDs are available for patrons to borrow afterward.

Cree World Language Kit

Looking to support Cree-speaking students interested in learning the language? Supplement your collection with the Cree World Language Kit! This kit contains Cree language books for all ages, all of which are available for students and staff to borrow.

Additional Programming Kits

StoryWalk Kits

With our StoryWalk Kits, take storytime out of the library and into the park. Enjoy one of our specially prepared titles and some fresh air.

Our StoryWalk Kits help create engaging, passive pop-up programming anywhere in your community. Each kit contains any number of weather-resistant signs suitable for displaying indoors or out, from shop windows to winding forested paths. Kits are available for two-week loans and include the following titles:

StoryWalk Kit (all included in this kit)

A Different Pond by Bao Phi
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Mechanimals by Chris Tougas
How to be Human: A Bear's Guide by Sophia Kolinas
Âmî Osâwâpikones (Dear Dandelion) by S. J. Okemow
Author/Illustrator Walk featuring the history & work of Maurice Sendak

StoryWalk Winter Kit

A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zommer

xBox Kits

Nothing brings people together quite like good old-fashioned couch gaming. Our Xbox kits have everything you need to get the party started.

As library staff, you play a crucial role in overseeing the Xbox kits. These kits have been designed for member libraries to host exciting programming events, such as gaming nights, and are not intended for patron's home use.

Each kit contains an Xbox 360 gaming console, Kinect sensor, power cord and power supply cord, AV cable, four wireless controllers, and an instruction manual. Member libraries can request up to four games. YRL is responsible for the Xbox kits' normal wear and tear; however, if there is any damage or loss of parts, YRL will invoice the borrowing library for replacement costs.

The Happiness Programme

The Happiness Programme is a digital light projector for programming for communities with diverse care needs. The activities are based around a growing collection of interactive light games, proven effective for people with cognitive challenges, from painting pictures and brushing leaves to popping bubbles and playing tennis.

The aim is twofold. For those living with cognitive and physical care needs, it’s transformative, offering safe, meaningful, and engaging activity. For staff, we equip them with a powerful tool to deliver personalized care, free up time, and reduce job-related stress and anxiety.

Deakin Kit Collection

Embark on a journey of diverse reading experiences with the nine themed kits from Dr. Andrea Deakin's personal collection. These kits, including a wide range of wonderful titles, have been thoughtfully donated to YRL for sharing with member libraries. The nine Deakin kits span various genres and interests, including All about Authors, Animals, Christmas, Poetry, Fairy Tales & Folktales 1 & 2, Juvenile Fiction 1 & 2, and Juvenile nonfiction.

The kits contain excellent books chosen by Dr. Deakin herself. All YRL members can check out the entirety of a kit or individual books within. Most of the kits also include notes that Dr. Deakin hand-wrote, and many contain anecdotes about specific titles.

World Languages Kit

Each World Languages Kit has 25 or more titles in a single language, and the content is a mixture of fiction and non-fiction geared mainly towards adults. Member libraries are encouraged to borrow these kits to enhance their local collection. All titles can be loaned out to walk-in patrons and fill hold requests.

The current languages available are:

Chinese Russian

Dutch Tagalog (Filpino)

Spanish* German

Ukrainian**

*Spanish kits available for kids and adults

**Ukrainian kit available only for kids

The Escape Misinformation Kit

As fake news, artificial intelligence, and bots become more prevalent, individuals increasingly struggle to distinguish between real and fake. To address this issue, the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public has developed Lokis Loop, a series of three escape room scenarios designed to encourage critical thinking and help participants identify online misinformation. YRL has compiled these scenarios into a kit that libraries can borrow for programming aimed at staff or patrons.

To confirm the availability of these kits and book them, visit the YRLIntranet or email kits@yrl.ab.ca.

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