Anythink Expands Family Place Programming

Provides Much-Needed Early Childhood Resources in Adams County


DENVER–October 27, 2009–Anythink libraries strive to be the focal points of the communities they serve. They do this by providing warm, welcoming spaces and hands-on, interactive programming for families to help encourage lifelong learning. In October 2008, Anythink became the first official Family Place library in Colorado . The Family Place workshops – the principle components of Family Place – have now expanded to three Anythink libraries. By 2010, Family Place workshops will be offered district-wide.


Family Place Libraries™ is a network of children’s librarians nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth, and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. Founded by the Middle Country Public Library in Suffolk County , Long Island , in 1979, the goal was to create a community-based learning place for parents while encouraging parent-child interaction. Family Place Libraries position the public library as a recognized source for early childhood information.

“Science has unequivocally proven the experiences children have in their earliest years directly impact brain development, the ability to learn and future life success. Lifelong learning is a major mission of the public library, and we believe libraries have the opportunity and the obligation to support the earliest learning of children and that of their parents/caregivers,” says Kathy Deerr, national coordinator, Family Place Libraries.

“ Family Place Libraries helps transform libraries into community hubs for families with very young children. We are delighted to welcome Anythink into the national network of Family Place Libraries™ and applaud them for being the first Family Place library in the state of Colorado .”

“Parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 3 are typically the most underserved in Adams County . There are very few programs available for these children or their caregivers. The library is in a unique position to reach younger children and provide early literacy resources and experiences,” says Anythink Family Library Services Director Lynda Freas .

The parent/child workshops are at the heart of the Family Place Libraries program. Workshops are five weeks long and focus on everything from nutrition to speech development. Two library staff and one outside expert participate in the workshop. No chairs are placed in the room, and a variety of activities are displayed based on age and interest. The workshop offers an informal setting for parents to interact with their children while asking questions of the invited experts, whether they are about parenting, nutrition, or early literacy.

Another important aspect of Family Place is the accessibility of parenting resources. Through the flexibility of Anythink’s new word-based materials organization system, WordThink, “Parenting” sections are now available at most Anythink libraries near the children’s areas. All of these areas also offer developmentally appropriate toys for children to play with – another important element of Family Place .

The Perl Mack, Northglenn and Bennett libraries are all currently offering Family Place workshops. Families are encouraged to sign up for all five weeks and capacity is 12-15 families. By summer 2010, all Anythink libraries will have continuous Family Place workshops available. Visit anythinklibraries.org/calendar to find the Family Place workshop nearest you. To enroll, please call your local Anythink.

About AnythinkTM
Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Rangeview Library District serves the residents of Adams County with six Anythink libraries and Anythink in Motion – the district’s mobile library. Construction is underway on two new libraries scheduled to open in 2010. For more information, go to anythinklibraries.org.