Photo courtesy of Yonkers Public Library
The Cove, a children’s space, puts emphasis on the importance of play and features reading nooks, toys, and other attractions.
The Yonkers Public Library has opened its newly designed children’s room, The Cove, at the Riverfront Library. It held a two-day open house this week which featured a ribbon cutting ceremony with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and elected officials.
The Cove is designed as a multi-purpose indoor play and learning space for pre-k children. Sarah Lawrence College’s Children’s Development Institute helped to draw up the renovation. The room itself acknowledges and builds off the idea that play is a crucial element in early childhood development. For children, playing improves their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
“The Cove is a catalyst for the library to reimagine the way children play, socialize, and learn,” says Jesse Montero, Library Director. “As one of the sole indoor play areas in the downtown, the space has already become a play and social destination for young kids and their caregivers who also get to discover new library books, programs, and services whenever they visit.”
Inside The Cove, children and caregivers can find a nursery gym, play area, reading nooks, riding and rocking toys, and blocks. The toys and furniture in the space were purchased in part with funding from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and through increased capital investment from the City of Yonkers.
“Educating and inspiring our children requires continued investment in the spaces and resources they share outside the classroom,” says Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “We are committed to supporting our Yonkers Public Libraries as they develop and foster learning at every level. Congratulations to the YPL leadership and staff for creating this creative and imaginative space for our young residents to enjoy.”
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