Come Play With Me is based on research about the connections in the brain that need to be made at this very early age. This series of 5 workshops emphasizes and supports learning through play; the role of the parent as a child’s first teacher; facilitates early intervention; and teaches strategies that promote healthy child development and literacy. We offer these workshops periodically as a part of our role as a Family Place Library.

Family Place Libraries™ is a nationwide network of hundreds of libraries that embrace the fact that literacy begins at birth and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. A proven change agent, Family Place libraries transform into community centers for early literacy and learning, caregiver education and engagement, family support, and community connectivity, helping to ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn.

During our Family Place workshops, which we call Come Play With Me, children ages 1- through 3-years and their parents/caregivers play together, meet other parents and caregivers, become familiar with the librarian and library resources, and meet local health and human service professionals. It’s an opportunity to learn more about and bond with children in an informal, interactive setting. The Community Room will be set up with toys and activities including blocks, puzzles, gross motor toys, books, manipulatives, transportation toys, dramatic play, music, and an art or exploration activity. A different local family service professional will be available at each of the workshops along with a variety of books and other resources. This week, we welcome two guests from Ivy Rehab for Kids: Elaine Dougherty (Clinic Director and registered and licensed Occupational Therapist) and Colleen Csenteri (Pediatric Development Associate). Colleen and Elaine will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your child's social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Registration is required. Please consider opting in to receive a text reminder about Come Play With Me! You will receive ONE text reminder, and your number will not be given to or used by anyone else for any other purpose at any time.