Hi there, We have similar kits but that have been purchased via Sprout (https://www.ecresourcecenter.org/wba/content/community/sprout-learning-backp...). I am not going to lie to you and say that they are the cheapest option, but some of the activity items are Melissa & Doug or other popular manufacturers. But we have found the backpacks to be pretty popular. The bags come with two books and usually two activities of some sort, as well as an activity sheet for continued learning/fun. We zip tie them so the toys aren’t played with in the library getting mixed up. Kids love to carry/wear them around. We have 25 that have been circulating since mid December-ish 2023 with nearly 250 circulations. Long story short, our similar story time back packs haven proven to be durable from family to family, and have also fair well on a backpack cart instead of book shelves or hangers. We have had to replace one backpack only thus far. I got it from here: Amazon.com | Clear Backpack Heavy Duty Transparent Bookbag for Kids, Boys, Girls, School, Travel, Stadium Approved (Blue) | Kids' Backpacks<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SDM279?ref=fed_asin_title> (just under $13) Backpack cart: Flex-Space Student Storage Backpack Cart - Modern Gray at Lakeshore Learning<https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/classroom-furniture/storage-units/flex-space-student-storage-backpack-cart-modern-gray/s/LC751/> (a little more than $13) Best, [cid:image001.png@01DB14C8.455C4050] From: Michlib-l [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Lorry Traver via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 12:20 PM To: Mich-lib Listserv <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Story Time Bags - Question Hello Library Land, I recently have been put in charge of building up our story time bag collection, and recently have noticed the bags we purchase do not hold up well. There are puncture holes (large and small) from our hardcover picture books - there are always 2 hardcover books in every bag. This link shows the bags we are purchasing now, so you have a better idea of what we are working with: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1Q2KXT?ref=fed_asin_title For those who use the same, or similar, bags - do you reinforce the bottoms of the bags to help them hold up longer? Or, have you found there is a better bag that holds the materials well and lasts for a decent amount of time? Thank you so much for your help! -- "I think books are like people, in the sense that they'll turn up in your life when you most need them." - Emma Thompson [Image removed by sender.] Lorry Traver Public Services Librarian Brandon Township Library 248-627-1460 CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipient named above. If you are not the designated recipient, an employee, or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of it or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments and notify the sender immediately via phone, fax, or electronic mail. Thank you.
