A South Dakota Arts Council grant enabled the Whitewood Public Library to participate in the Hands-on Partnership for Science, Literature and Art.

Participating libraries created themed backpacks, loaded with activities for children, and distributed them to other libraries.

Libraries were to choose a theme that reflected their community or area. Whitewood Library director Rea Weyrich, along with staff Renee Brazil and Jennifer Albrandt, decided on an orchard theme.

"Historical pictures show that this area had rich soil and good weather to support orchards," Weyrich said. Apple trees were plentiful, but pear trees could also be found.

The library received $450 to pay for a local artist to help add art activities to the backpacks, and the librarians added science and literature activities.

The library received support from Rockingtree Floral & Garden Center of Sturgis. Garden center supplies became part of a game in which children can match seeds to the fruit they come came from.

This creativity was one of the goals of the backpack program.

"The support from the Hands-on Partnership for Science, Literature and Art staff was great," Weyrich said. "They made themselves available for questions and suggestions throughout the whole creative process."