Libraries Create a Family Welcoming Place

Libraries have incorporated aspects to enhance their environments to create welcoming and engaging places for families with young children.

Library staff understand the importance of welcoming families with young children.
Library staff respond to parent/ caregiver questions in an open, facilitative manner that is supportive of the parent / caregiver role.
Physical space is friendly and fun with collections conveniently located and furniture appropriate for families with infants, toddlers and young children.
Accommodations are made for the special needs of families, including restroom changing tables, private spaces for breast feeding, storage for strollers, and space for families to gather and children to play.
Children's learning materials reflect a variety of manipulatives, puzzles, and puppets; objects are included that develop gross and fine motor skills; and items are available that promote imagination, exploration and experimentation. These educational materials are developmentally appropriate for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Books collections are developed for infants, toddlers and preschoolers and reflect the community's ethnic diversity.
Parenting collections reflect the interests and concerns of the parents and caregivers. They are located in the Children's section for more convenient access and reflect the diversity in the community.
Library policies are reviewed and modified in order to encourage families with young children to utilize library materials and services.