The Paynesville Library has a new collection, named Play2Learn, that is now ready for caregivers to check out! This collection was made possible with a generous $500 donation from the Paynesville Lions Club.
In 2019, Paynesville Lion's member Bill Spooner approached Gretchen Vork, the previous library coordinator, with an idea to create a toy library with items to check out and take home. The initial response was positive but the project was put on hold as Gretchen passed in early 2020 and then the pandemic hit. It was only in late 2021 that we began talking again about this idea. As the current library coordinator, I worked with Bill and Great River Regional Library (GRRL) children's librarian, Connie Laing, to shape this idea a little further. We decided to provide toys not only to promote learning through play, but also offer a little help for caregivers on developing children's academic, social and emotional skills. Each of the 19 toys includes an activity sheet that shares the skills that particular toy is geared toward, a tip or two about learning in everyday life, and conversation and interaction suggestions for caregivers. These suggestions are meant to support guiding their child's exploration, reflection, and discovery while using the toys. This project has involved many GRRL staff's time and effort, from choosing toys and purchasing, designing logos, and writing up activity sheets, to cataloging, packaging, and delivering. So while I can say "I" did something cool, it's very much a "WE" did something cool, here! This would not have been possible without Bill and the Lions coming in to say, "Hey, we have this idea; is this something you can work with to benefit the community?" and providing the support to accomplish that idea. Thank you so much, Lions!
While a few other Great River Regional libraries offer special items for checkout, like ukuleles or snowshoes, this is the first Play2Learn toy collection available for checkout. These items will only be available at Paynesville Library and caregivers may check out two Play2Learn items at a time. These items are geared toward kids 0 - 5 years old. Come on in and - literally - check them out!
Pictured from left to right: Bill Spooner, Lions member; Kateri Gruber, Library Services Coordinator; Eric Glenz, Lions president.
