R2RR provides an environment for parents and children to engage in purposeful play. Children who engage in purposeful play display greater comprehension, vocabulary and cognitive skills by the time they enter kindergarten. The R2RR offers activities shared by parent and child and designed to develop emerging literacy and problem solving skills through an intentionally structured learning environment. While parent and child interact in educational play, parents learn to model and encourage important school readiness skills.

Designed as a child sized Train and Depot there are 16 learning/play activities. The R2RR is focused on purposeful play, letter and number recognition, vocabulary development, narrative skills and engaging STEM activities. Parents participate with their children in the development of critical skills needed for success in kindergarten. This active and inviting space is especially attractive to parents and children who might otherwise be put off by libraries and other traditional reading environments.

Since opening in August the R2RR has been used by 65,000+ preschool children and parents. Parents tell us that their children show an increased interest in the library, many of whom may not have been regular library users previously. Due to signage within the space parents have learned and are more comfortable modeling behaviors that encourage narrative play, vocabulary building, letter and number identification, etc.; all important skills for school readiness.