Play with Purpose: Creating Inclusive Play Spaces and Building Staff Engagement

This session highlights the value of play-based library spaces, staff engagement, and how it contributes positively to early literacy growth for children and their families.

Santa Clara County Library District embarked on a multi-year initiative to reimagine children’s spaces by centering play and engaging staff. A two-year design process spanning seven locations integrated staff input, local community influences, and research in child development and early literacy to create inclusive play spaces that support children of all abilities and their caregivers. To ensure successful implementation, the district developed a staff training playbook designed to encourage reflection on play styles, build confidence, and provide practical strategies for facilitating play-based early literacy experiences. 
 

Presenters:

Nichole King
Nichole is the Community Librarian at Campbell Library with the Santa Clara County Library District. She has more than 20 years of experience working in public libraries with patrons of all ages. She has presented at several conferences on library serves and served on various committees throughout CLA and ALA.

Raina Tuakoi
Raina is the Children Supervising Librarian at Cupertino Library with the Santa Clara County Library District. She is a 2012 ALA Spectrum Scholar and 2018 ALA Emerging Leader. Currently, she is a member on the ALSC Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee and will serve as a juror for the ALA Spectrum Scholarship this upcoming year.

Track: Youth Services