Copperas Cove Public Library celebrates reopening of Children’s Room

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Greeted with a new layout and plenty of new toys and spaces to explore, Copperas Cove’s youngest residents eagerly explored the newly renovated Children’s Room at the Copperas Cove Public Library.

The library held the official grand re-opening on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until noon complete with cake and punch. 

“We had a lot of old and faded and dated stuff that needed upgrading,” said Karen Eacrett, children’s librarian, about the renovations. The children’s room now has new carpet, a new paint job, new toys, new shelves, and even new books. She said that they also moved existing items around. Eacrett said that it was important for the new layout to give parents the ability to see their children wherever they are in the room. 

“It was a long time coming, but we’re really glad it’s done.”

Eacrett said that she loves hearing the children gasping in excitement when they first walk into the room. She noted that one girl shouted, “It’s open!” before running into the room to check out all the new additions.

“There’s a lot for him to do,” said Kylie Peterson who brought her son, Ezekiel Peterson (18 months) to check out the newly updated children’s room. She said that she likes the idea of being able to bring her son there before his noon naptime so that he can get out some of his excess energy. She said he really likes books. The two recently moved to the area from Connecticut. 

“Our last library didn’t even have a children’s library,” she added.

Pamela Pierce, former children’s librarian, said that she helped with coming up with the design for the children’s room when the library originally moved to its current location. She said that they didn’t have as many toys back then. She said that having a children’s room is very helpful for the children developmentally.

“It helps give the kids an introduction to reading,” said Pierce.

Pierce said that reading physical books helps them learn by touching and turning the pages. It helps with their cognitive thinking by seeing the words and putting them together with the pictures. She added that it’s important for the children to have a space to call their own.

“This is their place, their time where they can meet with friends,” said Pierce.

“Just having fresh carpet and fresh paint renews the look of the whole room. It brightens it up. Having more toys draws the kids in and makes them want to spend more time here. They’re doing interactive play—they’re playing with other kids—they’re putting on skits—running a drive through restaurant…they’re using their imagination. They’re playing with educational toys. They’re playing with toys that inspire the imagination,” said Library Director Kevin Marsh.

Marsh noted that some of the toys they have are toys that families may not have the space or resources for. They have a large area for a toy kitchen, they have a large dollhouse, blocks, track for toy vehicles, toy dinosaurs, and even robots.

“It makes the kids feel welcomed and valued,” said Marsh. “The library buys books just so you can read them. The library has dinosaurs because they know you like dinosaurs.  Your community cares enough about you to build a children’s room for you. That’s a message that we need to keep telling our kids.”