Starting Kindergarten is a huge milestone.  

The first day of school jitters are all part of the process. The Library is here to make sure those jitters are filled with more excitement and less anxiety.  

With a special keepsake Kindergarten Book Bag filled with books and resources, kids and families will feel more prepared for the upcoming school year. Kindergarten Book Bags are available at most Library locations, excluding Rocky Ridge and Prototype: Skyview. 

The bag includes:

• activity sheets
• Top Tips brochures
• bookmarks about Library eResources
• Library books

A custom design inspired by reading adventures 

Meneka Repka was the Library’s 2025 Children’s Illustrator in Residence and designed this year’s Kindergarten Book Bag. Repka drew on her own memories from kindergarten and the feelings of excitement that you have when you start school and are learning how to read. 

“I wanted the design to be whimsical, playful, and imaginative because I think that's how books are. They can transport readers into different worlds,” Repka says. 

Repka has a background in teaching and understands the importance of early literacy. She appreciates working with the Library to get students excited for kindergarten and reading.  

“Having an introduction to reading early, especially in kindergarten, is so significant for kids. It builds the foundation for everything they're going to read and learn throughout school.”