The Children’s Room of our Family Place Library is the heart of the West Babylon Public Library. This can be witnessed every day by families enjoying all that is offered in our Early Childhood Space. Some of these families may arrive as strangers, but, by the end of their visit, they leave as friends and valued patrons. Not only do these families form valuable relationships with the Library, but also with other patrons, often making plans to meet in one of our many Library programs. It is common to overhear patrons telling one another how our Library is one of their favorite places, beautifully maintained and staffed with so many warm and helpful Children’s Librarians and staff members. Those two words, “warm” and “helpful” beautifully describe our Family Place Library.
When patrons walk into the Children’s Room, they are greeted by a smiling Children’s Librarian, who is ready to help in any way they can. Throughout the room can be seen well maintained, up-to-date materials for children and their families to use both inside and outside of the Library. Our Early Childhood Space is located within the Picture Book area for easy access to age appropriate books and contains manipulative toys, a train and Lego table, early childhood puzzles, a kitchen and doll house for dramatic play, a crayon iPad kiosk and comfortable furniture, where you will often see parents, grandparents and caregivers sharing books with their little ones. We feature a photo wall highlighting our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten participants and provide parenting- literature and brochures for patrons to take home. All of the above has helped to foster a sense of community for our patrons and helped us become a successful Family Place Library.