Author
Brandon, FVRL STEAM Specialist
Published Date
Duration of Read
2 min

The Playground is a collection of innovative items supporting STEAM learning, healthy living and environmental sustainability that you can experience in the library or borrow to take home. 

Playground programs and events not only excite and ignite interest but also educate, often sparking a renewed appreciation for the value of the modern library. FVRL takes pride in knowing that we are connecting with our community. 

The Playground has its origins in a local grassroots community effort. In 2016, our friends at the CUTIE Circle (Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instruments Enthusiasts) collaborated with FVRL to provide free access to ukuleles through our libraries. 

Since our first launch nine years ago, the collection has grown to include 15 items that you can borrow, as well as many others that you can experience through our library programs. 

Innovation, Inspiration and Community

While the Playground is a collection of innovative items, it is so much more than a collection. 

The Playground is... 
a continual commitment by FVRL to support our community through new innovative items. 

View our 2024–2029 Strategic Plan to learn how we're supporting communities through the FVRL Playground initiative.

The FVRL Strategic Plan 2024 to 2029: Opening Minds. Enabling Dreams.

 

The Playground is...
 a community member learning about The Playground and getting their first library card.

In a library, two young girls smile as they hold their library cards to the camera.

 

The Playground is... 
seeing people try new things for the first time.

Young boys at Yarrow Library try out Sphero robots from the FVRL Playground collection.

 

The Playground is... 
a kind email thanking FVRL after a customer discovered their home had five times the safe radon levels. They never knew about radon and appreciated that their library offered an item to test for it.

A Radon Detector from the FVRL Playground collection.

 

The Playground is... 
seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as we run new programs in libraries.

two young kids in the library interacting with robot mouse.

 

The Playground is... 
the surprise on people's faces when they learn they can borrow a Telescope, Disc Golf Kit or Nature Pack.

Teenage girls play Disc Golf from the FVRL Playground collection.

 

The Playground is... 
hearing about how a family used FVRL Birdwatching Backpacks to spend family time together.

Teens use a Birwatching Backpack from the FVRL Playground collection.

 

The Playground is... 
library customers helping us spread the word about the collection and how it supports our community. 

A Maple Ridge Public Library customer posts about his experience with FVRL Solar Panels on social media.

 

As we approach our 10th anniversary, the FVRL Playground will continue to find ways to inspire our communities and be inspired by them. Keep an eye out on the website for exciting new Playground launches in 2026!
 

Brandon is the FVRL STEAM Specialist.

 

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