When I first started working in children's services with TCCL at the Martin Regional Library, I was introduced to the Family Place Libraries model. At the time, Martin Regional was one of four branches in the TCCL system designated as a Family Place Libraries. This designation indicated that branch offered regular Parent/Child Workshops, an early learning play area, and a parenting collection. I assisted the Martin Children's Area Supervisor, Marie Welden, with the five-week series play workshops for families. Children ages one to three (and any young siblings) played in a room filled with developmentally appropriate toys while parents had the opportunity to chat with community resource professionals.
A highlight of this experience was 2016 when Marie and I partnered with the Power of Families Project to lead two workshops for Spanish-speaking families. Read more about this transformative experience on this page. As the Herman and Kate Kaiser (HKK) Library was one of the four designated Family Place Libraries, I was excited when the position of Youth Librarian opened up at that branch in 2017. I loved the Family Place program and was excited at the possibility of continuing to work in this model at a new branch. The experience I had from working at Martin Regional with Marie Welden was invaluable as I became the coordinator of this program at HKK. The program has transitioned from the Family Place Libraries designation to a TCCL-created "Build a Reader Center" brand. While some aspects of the program have changed, such as a shortened workshop series (three weeks instead of five), the fundamental desire to support parents who visit TCCL libraries remains the same. To date (April 2019), I have assisted or led at least nine of these intensive workshops at both Martin Regional and HKK. Workshop Logistics The night before each program (if the room is available), I empty the room of chairs and set tables around the room flat on the ground. Each of these tables is a different play space, such as Puzzles, Puppets, or Transportation. A volunteer helps me the morning of the program to set up all the toys to make it a fun and educational experience for the families attending the workshop. I check in each family as they arrive and give them a packet of information. The purpose of the program is for the child(ren) and parent to play together and for the parents to interact with the specialists and ask them questions. At the end of the program after all the families have left, I spray all the toys with disinfectant and the volunteer helps me put away all the toys so they are ready for the next week. This program is one of the most labor-intensive programs that I do on a regular basis, due to the preparation beforehand, the physical set-up and takedown of the room, and the emotional investment in the families who come. The workshop is also one of the most beloved and meaningful programs that I have been a part of since working for the library. Parents receive referrals to specialists when they have concerns about their child’s behavior or speech. They hear tips and encouragement on how to support their child’s speech and development from highly qualified experts. Families develop friendships with each other while children play and learn with other children. It’s a fantastic and meaningful program. |