New Models Blog Reflection: Children’s Play Spaces, Conversation Bowls, and Homeless Tai Chi

Three topics that stood out to me during my exploration of the Module 8 New Models lecture were designing children’s spaces, conversation bowls, and homeless Tai Chi.

Designing Children’s Play Spaces

In the lecture video, there was a section about Copenhagen, where it was stated that “playing is an accepted part of library behaviour these days, and 25 years ago it was totally forbidden”. This part really resonated with me. It reminded me of my organization, Toronto Public Library (TPL) and how our branches have transformed the children’s areas into unique play spaces called KidsStop.

For example, the Fairview branch has small ramps where children can climb and slide while they play. I remember visiting this branch with my niece and being excited to see these interactive spaces, which I also enjoyed exploring. My local branch, Bloor/Gladstone, features a wave wall, while the Cedarbrae branch has a fun riverboat entrance that I found to be very creative. One of my former branches, Dufferin/St. Clair, has an enchanted forest theme for their children’s area with a night sky and stars decorating the entrance ceiling. These creative spaces foster a playful environment for children and their families. When people think of libraries in the past, they often imagine serious, quiet places where play was discouraged. Today, however, many libraries have embraced play as an important part of children’s learning and development.

The story about the homeless boy and his father visiting the library to celebrate his birthday highlighted for me why it is so important for library spaces to be welcoming for children (TEDx Talks, 2013). Children’s library spaces should include toys, games, and opportunities for exploration. Many children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, do not have access to toys and dedicated play spaces, so libraries can help fill that gap by providing inclusive, free places to play and learn. These spaces also benefit parents and caregivers by offering a comfortable environment where they can supervise their children, connect with other families, and enjoy a brief respite from the demands of parenting.

Figure 1: Bloor/Gladstone branch’s Wave Wall

Toronto Public Library. (n.d.). Visit the library. Ready for Reading. https://tpl.ca/ready-for-reading/visit-the-library/

Figure 2: Cedarbrae branch’s Riverboat Entrance

Toronto Public Library. (n.d.). Visit the library. Ready for Reading. https://tpl.ca/ready-for-reading/visit-the-library/

Figure 3: Dufferin/St.Clair branch’s Enchanted Forest play space

Toronto Public Library. (n.d.). Visit the library. Ready for Reading. https://tpl.ca/ready-for-reading/visit-the-library/

Conversation Bowls Video

Having a bowl of conversation prompts beside a sofa in a cozy library corner where patrons can meet and talk with one another is a wonderful idea (Anythink Libraries, 2016). Many people living in large cities experience loneliness despite being surrounded by others. Busy schedules and the fast pace of urban life often leave little time to slow down, relax, and connect with neighbours. Libraries can help address this isolation by creating spaces that encourage meaningful conversations.

Homeless Tai Chi

Programs such as Homeless Tai Chi also demonstrate how libraries can create inclusive spaces where people experiencing homelessness feel seen, valued, and respected (The Salt Lake Tribune, 2017). I do not often hear about recreational library programs specifically designed for patrons experiencing homelessness. They are a population that is often overlooked and stigmatized. Initiatives like these provide them with opportunities for participation, connection, and well-being, while reinforcing the library’s role as a community hub that belongs to everyone.

References

Anythink Libraries. (2016, December 21). Get To Know Your Neighbor [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzLI-aqFzDQ

The Salt Lake Tribune. (2017, March 21). Salt Lake City Library hosts Homeless Tai Chi [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPCnWosz9HU

Tedx Talks. (2013, December 16). What to expect from libraries in the 21st century: Pam Sandlian Smith at TEDxMileHigh [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa6ERdxyYdo