Early Learning Center

Early Learning Center- Reopening December 27

The ELC will be reopened by the end of 2024. Thank you for your patience as we work to revamp this valuable community asset. The new iteration of the ELC will contain new custom items such as a play-pretend market, Everbright light wall, and activity tables, which promote fine and gross motor development and sensory discovery through play, creativity, and exploration. Our staff have worked to ensure we incorporate the latest standards for child development and align with Waukegan Public Library’s vision of fostering gathering, discovery, and growth. When the ELC reopens, it will include durable, accessible, and long-lasting structures and several new toys, creating a space that continues to serve families for years to come.

About the ELC

The Early Learning Center at Waukegan Public Library is a space for young kids and families to gather, discover, and grow through hands-on play. Each interactive activity supports early literacy, STEM skills, social-emotional development, creativity, and curiosity. We invite you to explore the space together while your children develop essential life skills and a love of learning. Please read more about our current learning and discovery stations:

Arts & Crafts
Strengthen fine motor skills with activities that incorporate writing, drawing, cutting, gluing, ripping and more. Use an array of art materials and enjoy the process-based craft of the week.

Writing Center
Develop early writing and literacy skills with handwriting, reading, and math practice sheets that make learning hands-on and fun.

Magnet Wall
Experiment with a rotating selection of magnet-based STEM stations that include simple machines, gears, and ramps.

Marketplace
Imagine, role-play, and practice social skills with our collection of toys and activities, including a cash register, doctor/vet set, and dollhouse.

Tech Table
Interact with child-friendly technology designed to engage young minds in age-appropriate exploration.

EverBright Light Wall
Explore early literacy, geometry, and problem-solving through this colorful, open-ended canvas that encourages creativity and learning.

Picnic Area
Develop social skills like asking questions, sharing, and manners while you pretend to make and serve food.

Play House
Explore imaginative play in a cozy home setting with a play kitchen, laundry area, and more, inviting children to role-play everyday routines and practice life skills.

Play Yard
Build and garden at this outdoor-themed station with a tool bench, grill, gardening materials, and outdoor chairs for hands-on pretend play.

Reading Tree
Cozy up in a calming space perfect for reading, resting, and recharging with family and friends.

LEGO Wall
Build with colorful Duplo blocks to encourage spatial skills and creative design.

Train Table
Construct and play with train tracks, magnetic trains, and miniature buildings, inspiring imaginative world-building.

Baby Garden
Explore soft play designed for babies with pull-up bars, mirrors, and sensory toys designed for ages 0-18 months.

Light Table
Investigate colors, lights, and shapes through magnetic tiles and other colorful manipulatives, encouraging visual exploration and discovery.

Math Station
Develop number sense and problem-solving through activities that introduce counting, geometry, and other pre-math skills.

The Loft
Explore a rotating selection of themed activities.

Puppet Theater
Tell stories and express yourself by using puppets, which builds communication and storytelling skills.

Costume Bin
Dress up in character to explore creative dramatics, enhance vocabulary, and boost self-expression on our mini-stage.

 

Q&A

Why did the ELC need to be renovated?

  • Modernization: The ELC had not been updated in many years, and we wanted to take this opportunity of a fresh start to ensure the updates spaces reflect the latest research in early childhood education and child development.
  • Alignment with Strategic Goals: This renovation allows us to better meet Waukegan Public Library’s mission of connecting everyone to experiences that foster a love of reading, learning, and exploration. The new ELC elements will include imaginative, ADA-accessible spaces that continue to encourage learning and creative play.
  • Enhanced Learning Opportunities: We want to ensure that the ELC continues to meet the educational needs of the community. The new design will incorporate features such as a play-pretend market, Everbright, and activity tables, promoting fine and gross motor development and sensory discovery through play, creativity, and exploration.
  • Durability and Longevity: Some of the toys and structures in the ELC were damaged or showing use/wear, so we’re updating them with more durable options that can stand up to years of enthusiastic use and be swapped out and updated more easily as items show wear.

I liked the old ELC the way it was. Why are you changing it?

  • We loved the ELC too, and that’s why we’re taking such care in this renovation. Our goal is to preserve what made it special—its ability to spark joy and foster learning through creative play—while improving its functionality, safety, and adaptability to meet the needs of the Waukegan community. This update is an upgrade, not a replacement, designed to ensure children today and in the future can enjoy an even better experience.

How did you make decisions about what was added?

  • Community Collaboration: While the input-gathering process is complete, this renovation was informed by valuable feedback from parents, educators, kids, staff, architects, and experts.
  • Strategic Plan Alignment: This project reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces that encourage gathering, discovering, and growing and is aligned with our strategic plan.
  • Long-Term Investment: This renovation ensures the ELC remains a beloved, functional space for years to come.