Joe Barnhart Bee County Library

At our Family Place Library, we have a small open space by the entrance where young children can play and explore. This fun-filled area is equipped with a play kitchen, a slipper slide, board books, blocks, bean bags, and more. There is a comfy rocking chair and nice benches where parents/caregivers can be with their children and get to know other parents/caregivers. Near the Children's Librarian Desk, we have a craft table with crayons, markers, and paper for young artists. Our Family Place workshops are held in the program room, where we transform the space into a child-safe play area where both children and parents can play, meet other families in our community, and ask a resource professional any questions that may have about their children's development. Families typically stay after the program to explore the library’s many offerings. Family place has transformed our library into a destination, and it also gave us the tools, resources, and expertise to further serve our community.