Larry J. Ringer Library - Bryan & College Station Public Library System

The College Station area is continually growing, and families are always looking for fun and educational places to take their children to play and learn.  We are so thankful to be able to offer the Family Place Library play zone to our town, and provide various parenting resources to growing families, and students learning about working with children. We have thousands of patrons who visit the library for books, and to get some play time in with the toys as well.  Parents and caregivers are able to have an additional place that they can bond with their kids as they play with the toys together.   We'll see families and caregivers who come to the library for play dates, preschool kiddos who come with teachers for a little Storytime field trip, and lots of grandparents who bring their grandchildren to hang out and play with other children. It is a thrill for us when families share their delight with the various toys and activities that we have out for the littles.  Along with the play area, we also offer a variety of kids puzzles and STEAM toys, all of which come together to help them develop fine motor skills, imagination play, socialization, etc. While a tricky moment, there are many times a day that we'll hear the children say how much fun they are having, and that they do not want to go home.  Parents sometimes take pictures of the different toys so they can look them up online to purchase for their own homes. Overall, in spite of the high rise in noise volume (we do a lot of "don't forget to use your inside voice!"), we are thrilled with our Family Place area!