Southern Oaks Library - Metropolitan Library System

Parents and children come together to enjoy 40 minutes of playtime at the library.  During the program, we have developmentally appropriate toys set up in the meeting room, a resource professional is available to answer any parenting questions or concerns during the playtime.  Following our playtime, we have a short lapsit story time for the children and their parent(s). We call our parent/child workshop 1-2-3 Play with Me.  The sessions have a deep impact on families. Parent’s concerns about their children are addressed and the parent no longer feels alone.  It is very empowering and helps parents feel more confident in their parenting skills.  In some instances, I have seen parents get referrals for their child for speech or language services.  Each week focuses on a different topic and parents are able to get their questions answered about nutrition, behavioral health, play, dental care, and speech and language development.  The workshops are also so very valuable because they emphasize the importance of play.  Play is learning and is so critical for a child’s development.  We also provide toys in our children's area for the kids when they visit the library.  We have parenting handouts available near our toy area.