The Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library and the McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library are a part of the Family Place Libraries™ network, a national initiative to expand the role of the children’s services department. The goal of Family Place is to strengthen the library’s role as a resource, not only for early literacy and learning but also for healthy child development and family support. Core elements of Family Place include specialized training for library staff, the creation of an early childhood space on the public floor, and the development of special programs in collaboration with local community agencies.
The centerpiece of the Family Place Library is the Parent-Child Workshop “1, 2, 3 Play with Me”. This is a five-week program targeted to children, ages 1-3 years, and their parents/caregivers. Family units come to a room filled with toys that encourage creative play and learning. In addition to toys and books, the sessions include the availability of a well-respected expert who can provide information and answer concerns of caregivers on topics related to early child development.
The Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library Family Place Program is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (2016).
The McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library Family Place Program is made possible in part by a grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, and in part by a state-funded grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.