While the covid-19 pandemic has curtailed library programming, Family Place Philosophies are an integral part of the staff’s mental and operational framework. After attending Family Place Training, the youth associate shifted gears from focusing engagement on the child and instead focusing on engaging the whole family. This has resulted in building rapport with parents/guardians by starting conversations. This has had positive results. For example, a mother visited the library with her two-year-old child. Staff brought out a craft and guided them on how the mother and child can create it together. During the crafting process, the mother brought up concerns about socialization and struggles to find a preschool program. The staff was able to give her numerous resources and direct her to local head-start programs. This interaction occurred through utilizing Family Place philosophies of parent education and engagement.

Park Place has purchased no-touch toys, such as activity steppingstones, to promote play as a tool for learning while staying in line with procedures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Since the youth associate is the only staff member at Park Place who has attended Family Place Training, she has advised and informed staff on philosophies, programs, and frameworks. Information regarding family place was shared immediately after the training but is also an ongoing process of education and improvement. The staff has initiated projects that reflect the importance of the whole family. The staff has put a focus on adding to the Family Resource Center, to improve its quality, breadth, and accessibility. The shelving in the children’s area was redesigned for more appropriate age grouping to improve findability. Staff continues to creatively find ways to embrace families through passive programming and displays.