Penguin Paradise Public Library (PPPL) is a fictional library located in the Playa del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This neighborhood boasts a small town feel despite being surrounded by the big city. It's 14,400 residents enjoy a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, parks and beach access. Families are quickly realizing that Playa del Rey is a great place to raise a family. Penguin Paradise Public Library has developed programing to accommodate the needs of these residents.

Effective library programming is a top priority for PPPL. We believe that children and families are an integral part of our library community and want them to feel welcome. We do this by providing a variety of activities and programs throughout the year. As a library we strongly believe in early literacy and know that “literacy programs help young children learn prereading skills and introduce children to books and the conventions of reading,” (Fasick & Holt, 2013). That is why our schedule includes several story times throughout the week.

Because it’s never too early to begin reading to your child all our story times incorporate elements designed for our youngest readers starting at birth. “Research regarding the connection between early childhood experiences and brain development is widely known, and as a result, early literacy programming for infants and toddlers is an accepted part of mainstream library offerings,” (Sanders et al, 2024). We also offer our Play and Learn Program where infants 0-18 months can begin to feel comfortable within the library in a more relaxed atmosphere. This is a time just for them to engage with books and early learning activities with children their own age and their caregivers.

As children grow our programming grows with them. The library is a place to read and study, but it’s also a place to have fun! That is why we have included STEM-based activities like LEGO Club and opportunities to be creative in our craft corner. These programs help children use their imaginations, develop small motor skills, and encourage problem solving. We want to bring people in and then make them want to keep coming back. “When the library connects with young children and maintains a relationship with children and families over time, it is much more likely to cultivate lifelong readers and maintain them as library users,” (Baker, 2017).

As children become more independent readers our elementary-aged book club is a perfect fit for them. It is child-led with books being chosen by the group. Our Paws and Pages special events are another great opportunity for older children to practice their reading skills. Sometimes reading in front of other people can be intimidating. Reading to a special dog friend is a great way to put a reader at ease. No matter what event, program, or club children are attending the goal is to welcome them into the library to encourage development of literacy skills and acquisition. Providing a variety of fun and engaging activities encourages active participation where learning is an awesome side effect of having fun!