Locker facts for kids

A row of lockers, often secured with padlocks

A locker door latch with a padlock

A locker is like a small, personal cupboard. It's a safe place where you can keep your things. People often use lockers to store books, coats, sports gear, or other personal items. You'll find them in many places, especially schools, gyms, and workplaces.

Each locker usually has its own lock. This means only the person who owns the locker can open it. You might use a key or a special combination to keep your things safe inside.

What are Lockers Used For?

Lockers are super handy for keeping your belongings secure. Here are some common places where you'll find them:

• Schools: Students use lockers to store textbooks, backpacks, and coats between classes. This helps them avoid carrying heavy bags all day.
• Gyms and Sports Centers: People use lockers to keep their clothes, shoes, and bags safe while they exercise.
• Workplaces: Many jobs, especially in factories or hospitals, provide lockers for employees to store their personal items.
• Public Places: You might see lockers at train stations, airports, or amusement parks. These are great for travelers or visitors to store luggage or bags for a short time.

How Do Lockers Keep Things Safe?

Lockers are designed to protect your items from being lost or stolen. They usually come with a way to lock them:

• Padlocks: Some lockers have a strong metal loop called a padlock that you attach to the locker door. You need a key or a combination to open it.
• Built-in Locks: Many lockers have a lock built right into the door. These often use a key or a dial with numbers for a combination.
• Keys and Combinations: Each locker user gets their own key or a secret number combination. This makes sure that only they can open their specific locker.
• Master Keys: Sometimes, a manager or staff member has a special "master key." This key can open all the lockers in a set. It's used for emergencies or if someone loses their key.

Types of Lockers

Lockers come in different shapes, sizes, and materials.

• Materials: Most lockers are made of strong metal, like steel. This makes them very durable and hard to break into. You can also find lockers made from plastic or wood.
• Sizes: Lockers can be tall and narrow for coats, or wider for sports bags. Some are small, like those for shoes or small personal items.
• Keyless Lockers: In some places, especially in Japan, you might find keyless lockers. These often use a digital keypad or a card to lock and unlock.

Images for kids

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  Keyless lockers (Japan)

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  Lockers made of metal (Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong)

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  School lockers found in National University of Singapore, Singapore.

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  Change room lockers

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  Shoes locker in Jade Pagoda (Amarapura, Mandalay).

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  School lockers at the Pohjankartano School in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia, Finland

See also

In Spanish: Casillero para niños