Green Hills Library reopens youngsters’ play house with hands-on enjoyable

A toy campfire with plush s’mores. A wood farmer’s market stand. A light-weight desk glowing with science playing cards. These are only a few of the brand new additions inside The Campground, the redesigned youngsters’s play space at Green Hills Public Library District.

Located at 10331 Interlochen Dr. in Palos Hills, the refreshed house is designed to encourage creativity, studying, and social play by way of hands-on actions — from felt boards and play grills to cushioned seating and themed kits obtainable for in-library checkout.

“I wanted to create a colorful and inviting space for children and their families that would serve as a playground for imagination and communal play,” mentioned Natalie Djordjevic, Head of Youth Services.

Planning for the redesign started in October 2024. Instead of hiring a contractor, Djordjevic and the library workers sourced and assembled each aspect themselves. Purchases started in February 2025, and the house formally reopened on June 13. The whole value of the challenge was roughly $16,000, totally coated by the library’s working funds.

Among the standout options is an academic gentle desk — Djordjevic’s favourite — that encourages sensory exploration with translucent constellation patterns and X-ray transparencies.

“I love that we have a toy that is perfect for sensory play and also educational,” she mentioned.

Other new options embrace a smooth play snake for lounging or climbing, up to date seating, and a felt board with themed story scenes. A brand new in-house toy assortment enhances the house, with kits themed round music, constructing, sensory play, automobiles, and bodily exercise — all obtainable for in-library checkout.

“Our mission is to connect the community with information and experiences to inspire lifelong learning,” Djordjevic mentioned. “Books and reading will always be an integral part of that. But libraries today serve more needs than ever before, especially for our youngest patrons.”

The Campground additionally serves as a spot for teenagers to work together and for caregivers to construct relationships with others in the neighborhood. And as a result of the toy kits are shared, Djordjevic mentioned, they align with the library’s sustainability targets by lowering each environmental and monetary waste.

The redesign was formed partly by neighborhood enter gathered in the course of the library’s 2024 strategic planning course of. Deputy Director Sara Horn mentioned patrons requested for extra accessible and interesting areas for households — and The Campground rapidly grew to become a precedence.

“We’re proud of how it turned out,” Horn mentioned. “It’s been incredible to see so many families enjoying it already.”

The Campground is open throughout common library hours. Families are invited to cease in, discover the house, and expertise the brand new choices firsthand.

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