Become a backyard 鈥榖ativist鈥� when you borrow a Bat Pack, the newest Playground lending experience at Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL).

B.C. bats contribute to the Fraser Valley economy and biodiversity, however most people know little about them.

FVRL鈥檚 Bat Packs provide a unique opportunity to dispel myths and cultivate community understanding, appreciation and support for local bats through citizen science opportunities. Each pack contains the B.C. Bat Friendly Communities Guide, a bat identification book and a Bat Echometer detector that when plugged into a mobile device with internet connection allows the user to locate bats near them, listen to their vocalizations and find out what species they are.

鈥淥ne of the cornerstones of FVRL鈥檚 strategic plan is to build strong community partnerships,鈥� says Gayle Martin, FVRL board chair. 鈥淲e are proud to be supported by the B.C. Government and partnered with Community Bat Programs of B.C. to enhance our local community鈥檚 knowledge and bat conservation efforts.鈥�

The Bat Packs were partially funded through a provincial government grant to support public libraries to enhance digital programs, expand online services and increase access to new technologies.

鈥淧ublic Libraries deliver a wide range of learning opportunities that benefit people in communities across B.C., and the Fraser Valley Regional Library鈥檚 Bat Packs are a great example,鈥� said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. 鈥淭his is such an innovative use of funding that brings technology and nature together to connect people in the community to learn, explore and be entertained.鈥�

FVRL鈥檚 Playground is a specially curated collection of non-traditional lending items and in-library experiences that support STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). 鈥淥ur Bat Packs highlight the science and technology fundamentals of STEAM, and supports digital and traditional literacy skills and beyond,鈥� says Scott Hargrove, FVRL鈥檚 CEO. 鈥淲e hope our customers use these packs, and skills to engage in conserving local bats and preserving their habitats thus helping our communities to become bat-friendly.鈥�

Visit to learn more about the Bat Packs and The Playground collection. Connect and engage with FVRL on social by searching ReadLearnPlay on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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