Birmingham Public Library Kicks Off New Sessions of 1-2-3 Play with Me on February 9

Playing with your baby is not only important for bonding, but is also an educational experience for your child.

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is providing a special time and place for parents to visit the public library and spend one-on-one time playing with their babies or toddlers. This five-week program involves children birth through age 3 and their parents or caregivers. The library will have age-appropriate toys, books, and art activities just for you and your child. Also, BPL will invite special guests from the community to join parents/caregivers each week to answer questions about parenting.

1-2-3 Play with Me emphasizes the role of parents as the first teachers of their children, facilitates early intervention, and teaches strategies for healthy child development and early literacy. 1-2-3 Play with Me is the signature event for Family Place Libraries and is a community project grant recipient of the Junior League of Birmingham, said Janine Langston, western region coordinator for the Birmingham Public Library.

“So often we see children playing in the library, but Family Place, and especially 1-2-3 Play with Me, makes it okay for parents to play too,” Langston said. “Thanks to interactive and self-selected play, the library is a destination place for many families. It is a place where parents and children feel at ease and can bond and learn together through play. Library programs like 1-2-3 Play with Me provide a positive early learning experience designed to strengthen families and prepare children for school.”

Here are the following BPL locations and dates offering 1-2-3 Play with Me:

Central Library – February 9-March 8 –  every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Avondale Branch Library – February 10 – March 9 – every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Springville Road Branch Library – February 11-March 10 – every Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Five Points West Branch Library – March 22-April 19 – every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
North Birmingham Branch Library – March 23-April 20 – every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.