Adults play the most important role in a child’s early education. As part of its mission and strategic plan, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library strives to include activities in its spaces that children and adults can engage in together. A generous donation allowed THPL to expand its successful adult/teen Hive makerspace model and launch a pilot concept at New Tampa Regional Library that would support family engagement experiences with the early learning needs of children from birth through age six in mind.

The space consists of a rotating collection of games, puzzles and other manipulatives that build early literacy and STEAM skills and provide opportunities for creative expression. It is a dedicated portion of the library adjacent to the children’s area, accessible all hours that the library is open. Pieces are affixed to walls or furniture, and can be free-standing or sit on tables or shelving units. Each toy is accompanied by an information sheet detailing ways it can be used to enhance learning or skills practice.

Grandma Claire’s Early Learning Hive opened in September 2018. Its flexible space encourages family engagement and supports organic learning through play. Colorful, engaging toys relate to at least one skill development area, including fine and gross motor skills, early literacy, STEAM, cooperation/social play, creativity/imagination and concentration. This impactful Early Learning Hive model will be brought to other THPL branches over the next few years and will provide additional sponsorship and naming opportunities.