Growth and Joy: Exploring the Manatee County Public Library System’s Little Discovery Center
When community members think of a branch library, they likely imagine a mini-version of a central library, with a smattering of materials for all ages. However, the Manatee County Public Library System (MCPLS) has taken the traditional concept of a branch library and re-envisioned it as something truly innovative. At the heart of their outreach efforts is the Little Discovery Center (LDC), a unique space designed to ignite a joy in learning in the youngest members of the community.
The Birth of the Little Discovery Center
The idea for the Little Discovery Center didn’t just materialize overnight. It was the brainchild of the MCPLS’s head of youth services, Chris O’Hara, who envisioned a space dedicated to early childhood development—a place where children could engage in pre-learning activities like recognizing shapes and colors. The concept was further developed with the hiring of Jodie Williams, a librarian with a master’s degree in early education. With Williams on board, the vision for the LDC started taking shape.
Before long, the idea transformed into a reality, and in late fall of 2019, the Little Discovery Center opened its doors. Located just a block from the central library, the LDC occupies what was once an office annex. Though modest in size, this 5,000 square-foot space is packed with potential and has quickly become a cherished part of the Manatee County community.
Meeting Community Needs
The LDC was created to address a gap in early learning opportunities within the community. Tammy Parrott, Library Services Manager, notes that the center was designed to foster the development of pre-learning skills—those foundational abilities that children need before they can dive into more structured educational experiences. The space isn’t just about learning in the traditional sense; it’s about exploration, self-guided play, and the joy of discovery.
Initially, the LDC operated on a half-day schedule, open to walk-ins. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 forced the library system to rethink its approach. To comply with safety guidelines and manage the center’s popularity, the LDC transitioned to an appointment-based system. This change not only ensured a safer environment but also allowed the library staff to maintain a high standard of cleanliness—a crucial factor for a space designed for young children.
A Unique Learning Environment
The Little Discovery Center isn’t your typical library space. Currently, the LDC operates by appointment only, offering hour-long sessions for up to six families at a time. This arrangement allows for a more personalized experience, where children can explore at their own pace without feeling rushed or crowded. While the center does host special events occasionally, the primary focus is on providing a space for self-directed play and learning.
One staff member has primary responsibility for the LDC, but the remainder of the staffing comes from Youth Department members at the Central Library on a rotating basis. With hours Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., staff have time to clean toys and manipulatives daily.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Parrott shares that families who visit the LDC are often delighted by what they find. The center has become a beloved resource for parents looking to engage their children in meaningful, educational activities outside the home.
However, the popularity of the LDC has also highlighted some challenges. The current building, though functional, is not large enough to accommodate all who wish to visit without the need for appointments. There’s a growing demand for more space, and the MCPLS dreams of one day expanding the LDC into a purpose-built facility, perhaps even doubling its current size to 10,000 square feet. Such an expansion would allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and could eliminate the need for appointments altogether.
Looking Toward the Future
As the Little Discovery Center continues to thrive, the MCPLS is already looking ahead to the future. MCPLS hopes that the LDC can become part of the Family Place Libraries network, a national initiative that supports libraries in creating environments that promote early childhood development and family engagement (https://www.familyplacelibraries.org/). Currently there are only about 50 libraries in the country that qualify as Family Place Libraries. As part of this network, the LDC staff would be trained in core competencies related to child development and early literacy.
Parrott envisions adding new features to the center, such as sensory-friendly times and science-museum-style exhibits that would enhance the interactive learning experience. These additions would not only make the LDC more inclusive but also provide more opportunities for children to engage with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts in a fun and accessible way.
The future of the Little Discovery Center is bright, and its success is a testament to the MCPLS’s commitment to serving the community. When asked about their future plans, Parrott and Assistant Library Services Manager Lynn Begraft lit up with excitement about the potential for growth in the community. The library system’s broader strategic plan, which includes initiatives like opening new branches, adding a bookmobile, and increasing public awareness, offers so many opportunities to develop and grow MCPLS for residents of all ages.
