Benson Memorial Library is a part of the nationally-recognized "Family Place Libraries" initiative.
Family Place Libraries transform libraries into community centers for early literacy, parent education, and family support. There are more than 500 Family Place Libraries across 32 states!
In 2023, Benson Memorial Library was awarded a competitive grant from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to pursue designation as a Family Place Library. Executive Director Jess Hilburn and Youth Services Librarian Becky Stahl were trained in early childhood development at the Family Place Libraries institute in Long Island, NY in March 2023. The library used their original grant funds as match for additional grant funding from private donors and Harold D. Jones for Charities to maximize the impact of this program.
The entire pot of grant funds awarded to Benson were used to:
- Create "1-2-3 Grow with Me," a multi-week childhood development program for new parents which supports them as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting with an informal space for play, creation, and learning with their child
- Add early learning and play materials and toys to the Storytime Room and Children's Room
- Upgrade furniture to family-friendly options
- Paint the Children's Room
- Redesign and realign shelving
- Invest in a robust parenting collection for modern parenting challenges and needs
- Improve library security and welcoming atmosphere
All of these programs and services are offered at NO COST to attendees and library users.
Want to learn more about the national Family Place Libraries program? Check out their website!
