Library Play Spaces You Should Know About

The children’s spaces at the Library's 41 locations are all a little different—in a great way.

Wesley D. is 6 years old. He’s a fan of the Dogman series, Minecraft graphic novels and he loves going to the Library. He asks his parents which library his family’s heading to by describing the play areas. Our branch names aren’t on his radar, but “the one with the cute little shopping baskets” (Green Township) or “the one with the castle” (Westwood) sure are.

If you frequent a particular CHPL branch, you may not be aware of the great kids' spaces at our other 40 locations. Check out this list to discover a few of our one-of-a-kind spaces that your kids are sure to love.

New and Refreshed Kids Spaces

Our Building the Next Generation Library project is about more than investing in buildings. It’s helping us update our spaces to better serve all minds and all ages. If you haven’t visited the following branches in the past year, you’re in for some pleasant surprises.

• Anderson Township Branch—The entire branch just experienced a major refresh. There’s now a cool playhouse and large play car with an “engine” that kids can take apart. The area is designed around a whimsical cityscape theme complete with a train mural and road-striped carpeting down the middle of the room.

• Price Hill Branch—This library recently reopened after a major renovation and expansion as one of our first Next Generation Libraries. Thanks to community input, this bright and airy space now includes designated quiet areas, a play kitchen and playhouse, a bilingual approach, and neat kid-sized doorways. Bringing older kids, too? There‘s comfortable bench seating designed for tweens and teens to sit close to each other as they share computers.

More Awesome Play Spaces

• Delhi Township Branch—Has a wide-open floor area in their children’s section, perfect for meeting friends for a playdate.
• Monfort Heights Branch—Has a cool train table and numerous puzzles available.
• Madeira Branch—Has a castle climbing area and play kitchen that are a lot of fun. Plus, there’s a train table that was donated by a local family in memory of a young boy who passed away. The family was determined for other kids to play with the toys to help his spirit live on.
• Harrison Branch—Has some great blocks and other educational toys that are sure to entertain.

Visit one of these locations today (yes, we’re clean and open for business!) for a great time, or before or after one of our hundreds of monthly storytimes, STEM programs, or other kid-friendly events.

Many of the wonderful educational play items inside our branches are made possible due to your donations. Find out more about The Library Foundation’s Befriend a Branch program.

Does your child have a library card? They should! Apply online today.