PlaySpaces in the Library

This was a very interesting and well-done program on play spaces in public libraries.

It started with a good quote from the American Association of Pediatrics on the importance of play, and then a bit on why libraries should be getting more involved in play (without being overly pedantic.) Next an architect talked briefly about play spaces and how they can be scalable, and where to find inspiration. 

 After this, the children's services head of the Barrington Area Library in IL talked about their play space, and how they transformed a small room with minimum play to a larger space and talked about things like their mini-market, light brites, an area for big blue blocks, a slide, an early literacy area, etc. Not quite a children's museum but pretty close. (They also incorporated book shelves into the play space.) 

Then the architect came back and talked about the challenges of incorporating things like light brites and an interactive chalk board into a library. Things like physical space, power, circulation corridors, noise levels, and age of users all need to be taken into account. He also gave an idea of how much it costs to build this space ($90 per square foot for a 10,000 sq. ft.space. Definitely go to PLA web site for the PPT to check out the photos. Not visually super exciting but very interesting.) 

Philosophically, they said "If there is a mess, it is a success!" Their attitude towards play is eerily similar to ours! 

 Next, someone from the Darien, CT library talked about wanting to do something with play but didn't have the space so they converted a toddler room into their play space. Used small Burgeon Group interactive wall panel, put down an animal-themed rug, created a magnetic wall with themed magnets, and added some plastic chairs. Finally created some "play kits" which are basically tubs with activities themed around certain things such as kitchen boxes, alphabet boxes (basically magnetic letters), blocks box (kebabs and Legos) and a music box (which was discontinued after a month because it was too noisy!) 

 Last speaker was from Oak Park, IL library who first started out by talking about what to expect and be ready for before embarking on play. (Fortunately we are past this.) But she emphasized how *all* staff needed to be on board because play is going to affect the dynamics of a library and affect departments in ways you will never anticipate. 

 All in all, a very good program. 

 RK