The Los Altos main library is scheduled to have installed a new interactive children’s “storybook” space. Installation work was set to start this week but has been pushed out to early- to mid-fall.
In January, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), which includes the Los Altos branches, announced interactive children’s spaces in all of its community libraries.
“Storybook SCCLD” play spaces are designed to captivate young children and their caregivers with talking, singing, reading, writing and playing, all in one place.
American Academy of Pediatrics research shows that developmentally appropriate play can promote social-emotional, cognitive, language and self-regulation skills that build executive function which contributes to school readiness, setting up little learners for future success.
Library district officials describe the play spaces as “a magical environment that will reflect something special about each community, at the intersection of tech and nature. These play spaces will in-corporate interactives for little hands to practice motor skills, themed reading nooks for quiet play, playhouses for imaginative play, toddler slides for active play, a sensory learning area for babies and pre-walking children, a balance element for all abilities, plus seating for children and their families.
“These spaces foster a passion for books and reading while providing valuable early literacy experiences that support grade level reading proficiency.”
“This is a very innovative initiative,” said spokesperson Mariana Walker. “Very few libraries offer this kind of immersive early literacy experience.”
This project is being designed and developed with experts in museum quality interactive spaces, Luci Creative, Ravenswood Studio, and Group 4 Architecture.
The Los Altos main library is located at 13 S. San Antonio Road.
For more information, visit https://sccld.org/storybooksccld.
