Parklands Library - Feedback from parents of preschoolers and staff of preschool groups
The following responses are from parents of preschoolers and staff of preschool groups.
General observations
Everyone was very excited and enthusiastic about having a local library. As many of the families in the area are one car families it will be great to have a library to walk to. Between the Playcentre and Playgroup there were at least half a dozen parents for whom English was their second language.
Types of programmes for preschoolers
- Babytimes
- Storytelling
- Storytime
- Music
- Programmes for special needs children (eg autism)
Facilities inside and outside the library
- Safe environment
- A room large enough for 45 children plus parents (18) [for a group visit] - tiered seating; portioned-off area, flexible space
- Toilets, separate children's and adults (adult toilet by café; children's by Parenting Room)
- Safe / easy access to car park
- Computer games
- Parenting room
- Train sets (inside)
- Sand pit
- Area for prams inside and out
- Eating area - kids are always hungry and thirsty - smaller table/chairs with wipeable surfaces - parents can bring own food
- Things that make preschoolers think - puzzles, etc
- Fun areas where you can interact with children away from adults who want peace and quiet
- Play area, with access to café, fully fenced so kids can't escape, accessed only from inside the library
- Interactive walls for children to touch, feel
- Slide, rocking horses, swings, balls
- Outside comfy seats in shade out of prevailing wind
- Mural outside
Types of materials for preschool children- eg books, videos CD's etc
- New materials
- Educational, imaginative, early reading books that they have at school
- Area (enclosed) for listening to music
- Music and storytelling videos
- Educational, eg. learn to read
- Early learning CD Roms
- Books, videos, CDs, DVDs, activities for sick children to do at home (Get Well Bags??)
- Wider range of videos
- Jigsaw puzzles made from wood
- Music tapes
- Blocks, beads, lego tea set, puzzles
- posters
- Foreign language books eg. Spanish
Furniture and décor
- A story pit or similar
- Nice bright kids' pictures on the wall
- Bright but not over-stimulating, primary colours, Comfortable, colourful, strong, safe, durable, light, easy to move, cheerful, happy
- Not too busy
- Tables and chairs for children and adults
- Funky
- Big cushions, mat area, foam blocks, comfy seating areas, couches for snuggling and reading together, good seating inside and out, sofas, bean bags/chairs, comfortable BIG seats for Mums with big bums and kids to sit together
- Computer
- Nothing too bright
- Soft and calming colours
- Something the kids can climb over without worrying about damage/marks inside and outside
Services and materials for parents
- Papers
- Free computer training
- ESOL class
- 'big books' for kindergarten staff to borrow for use in group situations
- any good information/reference materials
- self service coffee, tea and hot chocolate machine for when children's storytimes etc are on
- parent books for dealing with preschoolers
- Mum's mags
- childcare / parenting courses
- computer email, free internet access
- information on courses
- pleasant and cheerful
- historical romance
- books
- lots of DIY
- new stuff
- baking books
- easy to find access to various topics
- earmuffs
- open one evening so working parents could come
Café food and services
- Quality coffee, iced coffee, hot chocolate, teas, herbal teas, cold drinks
- Fruit drinks, 100% fruit juice milk, water
- Healthy (fruit bars, sandwiches, slices, milkshakes, fruit)
- Hot food, finger food, savouries, single biscuits, chips, spring rolls, snacks, muffins, cakes, quiches
- Kids snack packs
- Small cups for children
- Wet cloths to wipe children's faces and hands
- Kid friendly stuff
Other comments or suggestions
- Community notice board
- Bookable display space for community groups to advertise
- Preschoolers can't focus on an activity for too long so lots of things to do, eg. play equipment, touch wall
- Sounds a great idea and if set up right will work a treat
- Have walls that absorb extra noise
- Helpful and efficient services
- Up to date resources for children
- Ripple pool not safe for kids, looks good but dangerous for little children
- Soft chairs for café
- No bright colours or tv in change room. Quiet music.
- I want a 'touch and try' corner
- Great idea, be quick!
