The Roanoke Public Library announced the opening of the Little Oak Street Play Learning Center on July 20. The space invites children ages 2-6 and their caregivers to practice play learning.

Library Director Kelly Holt said the space was designed to celebrate Roanoke’s unique charm and to offer the benefits of play learning to families in the community.

The details

The Roanoke Public Library’s Little Oak Street features five different play areas, which will change seasonally, according to the city’s Facebook page. Those areas include:
  • Summer on Little Oak Street presenting a “Mid-Town Market,” which offers little learners a farmer’s market play experience
  • A “Sweet Shack” ice cream shop play area
  • “Ristorante Roanoke” highlighting Roanoke’s Unique Dining Capital moniker
  • The “Build-It Barn” with tools and blocks
  • “Picnic Park” with an outdoor barbecue play space
According to the post, each play area provides signage suggesting specific skills parents can practice with their child, and a QR code-scannable reading list features recommended topic specific books offered in the library.

Quote of note


“Play is essential,” Holt said. “It helps children develop cognitive, social and early literacy skills. It improves physical abilities, teaches new vocabulary, reduces stress and provides joy.”

What you need to know

According to the post, the Little Oak Street space will be open at the Roanoke Public Library Mondays through Saturdays in two sessions: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.

The post stated the Little Oak Street project was funded entirely by private donations.


817-491-2691. https://www.roanoketexas.com/166/Library​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​