Click here for a list of Kidpacks.	How many Kidpacks can I check out at a time?
What Are Kidpacks?	Where do I return my Kidpacks?
Where is the Kidpack collection kept?	What is the fine for overdue Kidpacks?
How do I know if a Kidpack is in?	What happens if I can't find an item that belongs in a Kidpack I checked out?
Can I reserve or place a hold on a Kidpack, or have one sent to another library?	Why was I called about a Kidpack I returned?
How do I check out a Kidpack?	Do you have any tips for a fun Kidpack experience?
How long do Kidpacks check out for, and can I renew them?	Who do I contact if I have Kidpack questions?

1. What Are Kidpacks?

Kidpacks are multimedia kits organized around themes.  They are intended for pre-school to elementary aged children and usually include books, read-a-longs, videos, puzzles and other realia.  They check out from the Main Library for 14 days and are non-renewable. You can check out only two Kidpacks at a time. The fine for a late Kidpack is one dollar a day. If you'd like to learn more, or ask a question not addressed in this FAQ, or browse our catalog of Kidpack photographs and contents lists, please let us know at the reference desk in Youth Services at the Main Library. Kidpacks are not available at Boise Public Library branches.

2. Where is the Kidpack collection kept?

Due to space considerations, we keep our Kidpacks in storage on the fourth floor of the Main library. What this means is that if you'd like to check out a Kidpack, you will have to ask for it at the Youth Services Reference Desk of the Main Library. Then, if the Kidpack is in, we will send a staff member to retrieve it. They will place the Kidpack behind the check-out desk and you should let the circulation staff know when you decide to check-out.

3. How do I know if a Kidpack is in?

Look it up in the library's catalog. You can access the library's catalog online by clicking here. The easiest way to search for a Kidpack is to select a "Title" search and enter "Kidpack" followed by the name of the Kidpack you are interested in. If you would like to browse the list of Kidpacks to see what themes are available and what's in, then enter only "Kidpack" as your search.

4. Can I reserve or place a hold on a Kidpack, or have one sent to another library?

No. Due to the popularity of our Kidpacks, and their short lending period, we don't allow reserves or holds to be placed on Kidpacks. We're sorry about any inconvenience this may cause you, but we've found this to be the the fairest policy for all of our patrons.

5. How do I check out a Kidpack?

Since the Kidpack collection is kept in storage at the Main Library, you have to ask for the Kidpack you want at the Youth Services desk. If the Kidpack is checked in, we will send a staff member to retrieve it. They will place the Kidpack behind the check-out desk, and you should let the circulation staff know about it when you decide to check-out. If you'd like to browse through copies of our Kidpacks' contents sheets and see photographs of each Kidpack's contents, so that you may make an informed decision prior to requesting a Kidpack, please ask at the Youth Services desk and we will show you where we keep the Kidpack Catalog. Kidpacks are not available at Boise Public Library branches. Click here for a list of Kidpacks

6. How long do Kidpacks check out for, and can I renew them?

Kidpacks checkout for 14 days and they are non-renewable.

7. How many Kidpacks can I check out at a time?

You are allowed to check out two Kidpacks at a time.

8. Where do I return my Kidpacks?

You must return your Kidpacks to the Youth Services desk at the Main site of the Boise Public Library. This means you can only return Kidpacks during open hours. Click here for our hours. Please do not place Kidpacks in the bookdrops and do not return them to other area libraries or Boise Public Library branches.

9. What is the fine for overdue Kidpacks?

The fine is $1 a day per Kidpack. 

 

10. What happens if I can't find an item that belongs in a Kidpack I checked out?

When you return your Kidpack to the Youth Services desk at the library, let us know an item is missing. We'll hold onto the Kidpack to allow you a couple days to search for this item.

11. Why was I called about a Kidpack I returned?

When you return a Kidpack, we verify that all items are accounted for. If an item is missing, your Kidpack won't be checked in and the library's circulation department will call you in an attempt to recover the item. If you are unable to find the missing item, you will be responsible for paying replacement costs.

12. Do you have any tips for a fun Kidpack experience?

Supervise your children.  Some Kidpacks have small pieces which could be hazardous if swallowed.  Also, check that all items listed on the contents sheet in the front pocket of your Kidpack are present before you return it to the library. Most importantly, have fun.

13. Who do I contact if I have Kidpack questions?

You can speak to a librarian at the Main Library's Youth Services reference desk,  call (208) 384-4200, or email askalibrarian@cityofboise.org. 

Last Updated: 01/21/2009