When children pretend they are racing to a fire atop Engine 23, that act of imagination is the foundation for creativity and critical thinking. As children imagine, they are building the "wiring" and connections in their brains that help with learning to read. And reading opens the doors to all the world has to offer. Children (and their parents/caregivers!), while engaging in crucial-to-early-learning-development play, are also talking and reading with real-life firefighters and staff—building trust and connections with community. The New Adventures of Engine 23: an incredible opportunity for children to play, learn, and grow.

The Engine 23 exhibit is free and open to families during Library hours (school and daycare tours available). The intentional design promotes the early literacy practice of play — underscoring that play is the way children learn best. Mini firefighter jackets and hats, a toy Dalmatian to hug, along with books, reading nook, storytimes with staff and firefighters, and a display of firefighter tools are all available to children as they explore Engine 23 — promoting imagination and role play, and building connections in young brains. Children gain early literacy skills, learn fire safety, make new friends, and build trust…through play!

The New Adventures of Engine 23 is an exciting new early learning exhibit, drawing patrons of all ages and backgrounds from across the city. The experience is replicated in community libraries, complete with mini Engine 23s, providing staff system-wide with the opportunity to promote the early literacy practices of Talk, Sing, Read, Write, and PLAY!...and whetting the appetites of patrons to travel from their home libraries to visit the free Engine 23 exhibit. Through play and storytelling with staff and firefighters, children are learning about cooperative play, fire safety tips, building their brains, and developing a lifelong love for libraries!