Storybook SCCLD Kids’ Early Learning Play Spaces
Santa Clara County Library District
Innovation Synopsis
The Santa Clara County Library District is inspiring early literacy in our communities through play by constructing interactive, early learning play spaces at each of our seven community libraries. Dubbed Storybook SCCLD, children ages 0-10 and their caregivers are immersed in distinct worlds reflecting each community, filled with colorful characters, interactive learning activities, letters, sight words, and numbers, like walking into an enchanted children’s storybook. Centered in Silicon Valley, the overall design theme is Tech Nature. A group of friendly Bots serve as guides to explore each space, which include elements for children to practice motor skills, reading nooks for quiet play, a playhouse or vehicle for imaginative play, a toddler slide for active play, and interactive sensory areas for babies and pre-walking children. The overall goal is to promote the five principles of Every Child Ready to Read: talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.
Challenge/Opportunity
Challenge: Help every child become a successful reader by inspiring children to learn the natural way, through play. In Santa Clara County, an average of 60% of 3rd graders met or exceeded the reading ELA requirements in 2024/25 (https://caaspp-elpac.ets.org/caaspp/). This number was as low as 40% in some areas of the County.
Academics such as A. Nicolopoulou (The Alarming Disappearance of Play from Early Childhood Education) promote the importance play has in child development. Whether pretending to explore a cave, drive a train, or put on a show, kids are learning about emotions, solving problems, and building social connections. Studies show that play uses more complex language and strengthens communication and cognitive abilities.
SCCLD’s 2023 Strategic Priorities include INSPIRE: building the foundations of literacy within our community, with a goal to “create enchanting and interactive children’s spaces to support early literacy skill building and instill a love of learning.”
Key Elements of Innovation
Part fun, part early educational resources, these permanent additions to our Children’s spaces inspire a lifetime of interest in reading and exploring. Each of our community libraries has a completely different space with art that is tied to their theme- Redwood Romp, Trusty Trails, Earthen Excursion, Railway Rollick, Aquarium Adventure, Orchard Outing and Dreamy Downtown.
This $9 million, multi-year project is being designed and developed with experts in museum quality interactive spaces, Luci, Ravenswood Studio, and Group 4 Architecture. These are fully immersive early learning spaces with every element selected to develop specific skills babies and children need to become successful learners.
Spaces measure approximately 500 square feet and include interactives, pre-walker corners, reading nooks, active play zones for kids ages 0-10 and seating for all ages.
Library staff have been trained on Play the SCCLD Way and provided with a comprehensive training guide.
Achieved Outcomes
Preliminary results from the first four openings were very positive (figures as of 7/1/25):
* 1.35 million patrons reached via nine newsletters and 329,426 by targeted emails
* 5,875 views of videos on SCCLD website and YouTube channel
* 19,186 views on website/blog posts
* Between 12 and 19% library gate count increase in months following openings
* Increase in new library cardholders
* New families visiting the libraries and staying longer
With the unveilings taking place in March, April, May, and June, plus three more planned for the fall/winter, the momentum around these new spaces continues to grow. Families are touring multiple sites to experience the new worlds of Storybook SCCLD, with many parent influencers sharing videos of their experiences. Feedback has been enthusiastic about the beauty of the spaces and the joy that they have brought to young visitors. As families return to the library or find another reason to visit, total circulation is at an all-time high.
