Early Learning Center Opens at Waukegan Public Library

I recently had the opportunity to visit the new Early Learning Center at the Waukegan Public Library, and was I ever glad we went! Some of my preschooler’s favorite places include the library, children’s museums and play places, and the Early Learning Center was like all that, but all rolled into one. We’ve visited a lot of libraries, but never have I seen one offering what is here. It is truly amazing!

Early Learning Center, Waukegan Public Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

When you first enter the Early Learning Center, you walk into a beautiful art studio room where everything is so neat and organized. I can only imagine what fun things will be going on in here in the upcoming months.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Across from the art area is a phenomenal theater room, complete with a little stage and bench seating. It is absolutely adorable!

Early Learning Center, Waukegan Public Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

The theme right now is “Blast Off,” all about outer space, and the library got really creative with it. Some of the especially cool things they have include an entire wall that is magnetic with tons of different magnets to stick to it. My daughter loved this immensely, so it was hard dragging her away when it was time to go!

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Children will find new iPads loaded with learning games and activities.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

A colorful space ship nook invites children to nestle in with a book to read.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

In another area, there is a Mars rover vehicle for the kids to sit inside and climb on!

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

For the tiny tots there is a safe (baby only) area where they can crawl all around, with some toys to play with, without the worry of being trampled on by the older kids.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Be sure to try your hand at the “fishing” area, where you can use a fishing pole to fish for rocket ships. This is a cute spin on the traditional fishing games that I’ve seen at some other children’s museums. This was another favorite area that I couldn’t get my daughter away from!

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

I loved the big star-shaped activity tables for kids, with lots of activities to choose from!

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Space blocks, puzzles, space toys and bear dominoes were some of the fun playthings that we saw during our visit.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Nearby there was a Lego station with green Lego mats permanently fastened to the table and wall with bins full of Lego pieces.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Dispersed throughout all this awesomeness, of course, were books! Special displays feature space books to fit the theme, and bright bookshelves held all the other great books. My daughter and I could have easily spent the entire day here. The new Early Learning Center is certainly at the top of our list to visit again, as we will be back to spend some more time here. If you are not in the Waukegan area, it is definitely worth the trip to check this new area out.

Waukegan Library
© J. Reedy | Little Lake County.com | 2016

Also, be sure to look at all of the current program offerings (all free), but some require registration. Programs include Babies and Books, Storytime, Apple Crafts, Numbers and Counting Fun, and more.

Waukegan Public Library
Early Learning Center
128 N. Country St., Waukegan | (847) 623-2041

Save

About Jessica 23 Articles
Jessica is a Lake County transplant from Canada that loves to explore new places with her husband and daughter. A published author, avid crafter and exotic animal trainer she rarely as a dull (or quiet) moment.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*