Library launches KidSpot, a learning space for students and a reading space for kids

Enter the third floor of the San Antonio College library in the Moody Learning Center and take a right. There you will find an area filled with small chairs, oversized books, stuffed animals, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head.

Welcome to KidSpot!

Academic libraries across the nation have been championing the needs of student-parents for a parent-friendly study space on campus. Our library has responded by creating a place where families can study together.

Librarian Karen Briere and Director of the Library Lee LeBlanc with the support of the College Executive Team, Vice President of College Services Dr. Stella Lovato, and Interim Dean of Academic Success Clare Iannelli looked at family-friendly designs to make the space welcoming. The goal was to make the space useful to both parent and child. Furnishings invite parents to study and accomplish their academic goals in a space where their children can read and play within sight of the parent at all times.

Parents leave campus for the day knowing they have accomplished their academic and parental responsibilities in a safe and nurturing environment. This space not only contributes to retention for student parents, it lets families know the campus cares about their needs.

While the space is designed to be intimate and supportive, it is also flexible and can be rearranged to accommodate up to 40 children at one time. KidSpot is available during regular library hours and is geared towards pre-school age children, although kids younger or older are welcome when accompanied by their parent.

Plenty of activities are available to keep children busy. Games, puzzles, and the big draw – the books. There are small shelves filled with English and Spanish books to spark the imagination of any young reader. There are also large books that will offer an immersive reading experience for a young mind. If a child finds a book they want to continue reading at home, their parents can use their student ID to take the book home.

Plans are already underway to add more services, such as a monthly story time and a changing station in the third-floor restrooms.

Ultimately, KidSpot will be a place where both parents and kids can learn together.

Join us for the KidSpot space dedication, to mark its official opening with SAC president Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23.

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