Texas Border Business
Harlingen, Texas – On October 30 the Harlingen Public Library will join libraries across the nation in providing a place for a healthy child and family development. The library is one of close to 500 in 30 states that have implemented the Family Place Program.
The program focuses on children ages 0 to 5 years old and their parents or guardians. The program emphasizes early childhood development with the idea that parents are a child’s first teachers. The library helps support that role by providing an environment and learning space that incorporates developmentally appropriate play for each age group such as baby/toddler story time and parent/child workshops with speech therapists and nutritionists.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention children are born ready to learn and how their brain grows depends on what they experience. “The early years of a child’s life are very important for later health and development.”
Harlingen Youth Services Librarian Christine Newman says the program dubbed Family Play Day will be introduced to the community on October 30 at 10:30 a.m. Beginning on this day families will be able to utilize all materials available and participate in special programs that will be conducted in both the Library Auditorium and Conference Rooms. Early Literacy programs occur every Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m.
Newman says the library received training and funding for the materials needed to make this important program available here via a grant provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
For a complete calendar on programs and activities offered specifically for children visit https://harlingenlibrary.org/childrens-department/. The Harlingen Public Library is located at 410 ‘76 Drive.
