Children are learning all the time through interactions with family, community, and the natural world. Areas of child development are all interconnected and simultaneous, making play such a great vehicle for knowledge. Research is being done now on whether children still have access to meaningful play. Libraries are a great opportunity for open-ended exploration, creation, and play. Explore the different types of open play programs, why they are important in a library setting, and how they can be effective without too much chaos and strain on staff. Learn how to elevate play into purposeful interactions that are fun and create opportunities for learning. At the end of this session, participants will know why open-play programs are beneficial, will be able to identify different types of play, feel empowered to design these programs and spaces, and see how libraries across the country are embracing the open-play models . This will be a power-point presentation with space for discussions and problem-solving together.
