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

We knew that College Station was continually growing, but after we were closed for 10 months for renovations, we were absolutely blown away by the number of people who come out every week to our new Family Place Library. We have close to 1,700 folks who visit and play. We have moms and caregivers who have play dates here, preschool kiddos who come with teachers for a little while, and lots of grandparents who bring their grandchildren to hang out and play with other children. We're even attracting people who have never been to the library! At least three times a week I overhear a mother say, "We never come to libraries, but we come here. Look at all these cool toys!" I love when I get the chance to point out to parents that each toy has been carefully chosen to help with their child's development in some way: fine motor skills, imagination play, socialization, etc. They are always so impressed. I've seen many parents take pictures of some of the toys so they can look them up online to purchase for their own homes. Overall, in spite of the significant spike in noise volume (we do a lot of "don't forget to use your inside voice!"), we are thrilled with our Family Place area!