This project is a prototype study of radical space transformations and architectural interventions that create new opportunities for very young children that encourage literacy-based play in three neighborhood libraries. In addition, child and parent behavioral change is being studied in these new spaces, and compared to control libraries.

• Children’s areas now feature elements such as a toddler climbing wall, black-box theaters, multi-use amphitheater seating on kid scale, observation perches, cozy nooks
• Community engagement and research, including play charrettes and workshops with children, parents and library staff about what kinds of play
• Early language learning research informing the design interventions
• Many, many iterations with library staff, design team and play experts
• Evaluated and monitored for impact by a leading early language researcher

Initial evaluation results indicate that children and parents in the new playscapes physically move their bodies more, engage in less screen time and laugh more often than families in the control library. We expect more such promising outcomes, as well as increased visibility and knowledge of the library as a place for learning, and learning through play.