The Kids’ World children’s space at Arlington Heights Memorial Library got a nearly $1 million makeover and the enhanced amenities are now available for youngsters to access.
Construction wrapped in December and library officials have spent the last several weeks showcasing the new digs to patrons.
An amenity installed in Kids’ World children’s library at Arlington Heights Memorial Library is a giant Lite Brite-style interactive wall, pictured Feb. 1, 2024 at the library in Arlington Heights.
Among the offerings, the Interactive Family Area features the 8-by-4 foot “Everbright” wall, a reimagined Lite Brite classic toy with a floor lighting projection system that provides interactive games and activities.
“We are excited for the community to visit the library’s newly refreshed Kids’ World, a dynamic space designed to meet the growing needs of our youngest customers and their families,” library Executive Director Mike Driskell said.
There are also attractions among rows of books, including a fish aquarium, a lighted circular entrance to the space, an encased dollhouse and exhibits featuring artwork. There’s also the Lindsey Room, where such programs as storytime – called Toddler Time – take place.
Families explored the new and enhanced amenities of the Kids’ World children’s library Feb. 1, 2024 at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights.
According to library officials, the budget for the Kids’ World refresh was $774,253, but library officials are expecting the final cost of the project to be under budget at around $745,000. Funding came from a number of sources, including a $6,600 donation from the Friends of the Library group, money that went towards the floor projection system and family workstation. The Library Foundation donated about $59,000 for the Everbright, Baby Garden, Imagination Station, maker table and stools for tweens plus a tinker cart for kids.
“Libraries really are a place for the community to gather, especially in Kids’ World, we see that,” said Trixie Dantas, youth services manager.
She said the library remained open as construction took place. Renovation of Kids’ World was done in phases.
“We’re in the middle of winter right now so we often just have many people who are just trying to get out of the house and come hang out, so we wanted to make a space that was accessible and welcoming for a broad range of ages, and abilities and hopefully have something for everyone, something to interest everyone, a place for families to explore and learn together,” Dantas said.
Families participate in story time Feb. 1, 2024 in the newly renovated Kids’ World children’s library space at Arlington Memorial Library in Arlington Heights.
Families participated in Toddler Time at the newly renovated Kids’ World children’s library Feb. 1, 2024 at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights. The library recently spent nearly
million to enhance the children’s space.
On a Thursday February morning, the Lindsey Room was filled with toddlers and their parents, extended family or caregivers who experienced a guided interactive story time with music, instruments and bubble play as part of “Toddler Time.”
Sonia Rorer, of Arlington Heights, attended with her 18-month-old, Camryn and praised the library’s children section.
Libraries go beyond books, said Carrie Regilio, also of Arlington Heights, who accompanied Rorer and her baby.
“Nowadays they’re so much more, actually,” Regilio said. “There’s so many different mixed media that you can check out from here too.
Sejla Filipovic, of Arlington Heights, had arranged to meet up with another family on Feb. 1 at Kids’ World and brought daughter Ayla Filipovic, 4.
Filipovic said the library is a “great meeting spot for play dates.”
Other parents and visitors in attendance that day praised the Kids’ World redo as a nice addition to the library.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
