The Georgetown Public Library was designated a member of the Family Place Libraries national network in August, according to a news release.

The designation is given to libraries that provide a welcoming community environment with resources to help families nurture their children’s development and early learning during the first years of life, the release said.

The library’s new Family Place offers library visitors a specially designed space in the children’s area for young children to play, share books and meet other families, the release said. The Family Place hosts a collection of books, toys, music and multimedia materials for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents and caregivers, as well as librarians specially trained in child development and family support, according to the release.

The Family Place also offers the Play, Learn, Grow series for toddlers and their parents and caregivers, the release said. The series includes toys, books, and art activities that allow families to spend time together, make friends, and talk with specialists on various aspects of child development and early literacy, the release said.

The Family Place Libraries model is in more than 400 libraries in 30 states serving thousands of young children and their parents and caregivers, the release said. The Georgetown Public Library Family Place Program is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, and in part by a state-funded grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, the release said.