(From the Joplin Public Library)
The Children’s Department of Joplin Public Library is excited to announce their expanded and redesigned play space focusing on the library’s youngest patrons, children birth to age five. This improved space is part of the library’s initiative to join the Family Place Library network. Family Place, started in 1996 out of Long Island, New York, now includes more than 250 libraries nationally. The goal of Family Place to increase the role of the public library as a community hub for healthy child and family development, parent and community involvement, and lifelong learning beginning at birth.
Four Joplin Public Library staff members have attended the Family Place training in New York and are working hard to incorporating key components of the initiative. These components include outreach to families that are not currently library users, partnerships with community agencies, availability of parent resources, and a welcoming space in-library, and including age-appropriate books and learning toys.
The Library’s new play space includes comfortable seating for adults and children; a board book reading nook; a quiet area for playing with blocks, puzzles, and other manipulatives; and the dramatic play elements of a puppet theater, doll house, train table, and a kitchen.
Funds for the space were generously provided by the Bramlage Family Foundation. When asked about the new play space, children’s librarian Jeana Gockley proudly announced, “We are excited to have this amazing and fun space to offer our community!” She encourages community members to bring their children and check out the space during normal business hours.
For more information visit www.joplinpubliclibrary.org or give the Children’s Department a call at 417-623-2184.
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