Brown County Library in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has been awarded the first‑ever Family Place Library certification in the state. The designation, granted by the national Family Place Libraries foundation, recognizes libraries that create welcoming, safe spaces for families with young children and provide resources that promote early literacy and development.
What the certification means for local families
The Family Place Library model emphasizes three core components: early‑literacy events, parent‑education workshops, and on‑site support services. Brown County Library now offers regular storytimes, sing‑alongs, and hands‑on activities designed for children from birth through three years old. These programs aim to give parents and caregivers practical tools to foster language skills and a love of reading from the earliest months.
In addition to programming, the library has added a community‑resources professional who is on‑site each week. This staff member assists families with questions about child development, connects them to local health and social‑service agencies, and helps navigate resources such as nutrition assistance, early‑intervention programs, and parenting classes.
Foundation representative praises the library’s effort
Kristen Todd‑Wurm, a leader from the New York‑based Family Place Libraries foundation, visited the library to present the certification. She described Brown County Library as “a true model of what a Family Place Library should be.” Todd‑Wurm noted, “You can hear and see from what is happening behind me that this is what a library should be for families with young children—a place to go, a place to feel safe. Not many places welcome two‑year‑olds making noise, but a library does, because toys and play are the foundation for learning.”
Community response
Local parents expressed enthusiasm for the new resources. “Having a space where my toddler can explore books and toys while I learn about early‑learning strategies is a blessing,” said one caregiver who regularly attends the library’s storytime sessions. The library’s staff reported a noticeable increase in attendance at early‑literacy events since the certification was announced.
City officials and the Brown County Board of Supervisors have also voiced support, noting that the library’s expanded services align with broader community goals to strengthen families and improve educational outcomes for the youngest residents.
Looking ahead
The library plans to expand its programming throughout the year, adding new workshops on topics such as infant nutrition, screen‑time guidelines, and preparing children for preschool. By maintaining a focus on family‑centered services, Brown County Library hopes to set a benchmark for other Wisconsin libraries seeking the Family Place designation.
For families interested in attending upcoming events or meeting the community‑resources professional, the library’s schedule is posted on its website and social‑media channels. The library encourages all residents with children ages zero to three to take advantage of the new resources and become part of a growing community of early‑learning supporters.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
