TalkReadPlay Center

TalkReadPlay Center. Rainbow with hot air balloon to its right.

Watertown Public Library’s TalkReadPlay Center was the first of its kind in the state. It is a space that promotes early literacy and strengthens families through positive connections between caregivers and children. The space we have created in the TalkReadPlay Center engages children in developing fine and large motor skills, enhancing creativity and engaging other children and adults.

Zones

The TalkReadPlay Center is divided into zones, each encouraging children to engage in different ways. Some zones are more appropriate than others, depending on the child's age.

Marketplace structure in the center of a colorful children's library.

Marketplace Zone

A space that can be anything! We change this area out quarterly. It has been a veterinary clinic, a baby nursery, a pizza parlor and more! This structure was built by a talented neighbor and volunteer.

Three long tables with colorful chairs around them. Blue cupboards in the back and colorful banners on the wall in the background.

Creative Zone

A great space to work on homework, take a break or read together. 

Colorful wallpaper with clouds and a nature scene with a hot air balloon. White wooden bridge is in center of the shot with comfortable chairs for seating in the background.

Infant Zone

A space designed for children 0-2 years. Practice walking across the bridge, crawling through the caterpillar, putting together wooden puzzles and playing with board books.

Building blocks with a yellow crane construction vehicle near the wall. Purple caterpillar structure for playing and a red chair for sitting in the center of the shot.

Construction Zone

A space to build, pretend and problem solve. The train and light tables allow children to work together, while the construction crane allows imaginations to run wild.

Set of four computers along a wall with farm scene wallpaper. Colorful letters on the floor for kids to jump on.

Computer Zone

Children can work on their computer skills here. Two internet computers provide filtered internet access to children 11 and under who have permission and their own library card. Two AWE station computers have pre-loaded ABC Mouse games. 

The TalkReadPlay Center was made possible by a generous contribution from the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation.

Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation with logo that looks like leaves and a sunset.