Diamond Bar Library Named a 'Family Place' Library

The was recently honored as a "Family Place Library" for providing space and programs supporting early childhood learning and literacy.

The Diamond Bar branch of the Los Angeles County Library was visited recently by Kathleen Deerr, National Coordinator of Family Place Libraries, who presented the library with the honor.

Library Manager Jesse Lanz said in a press release that the Family Place program focuses on providing a "welcoming environment for families with young children by creating an appropriate space, locating resources for parents and caregivers, and holding special programs."

Twice a year, the Diamond Bar library will feature a 5-week parent-child workshop that brings in local experts in early childhood development and emphasizes the role of parents as a child's first teacher.

Lanz said that funding from the non-profit Friends of the Diamond Bar Library has helped provide resources to make the children's area of the library into a Family Place, adding a special parenting collection, multimedia materials, and seating for children and parents.

Lanz also said that Children's Librarian Julie McCasland has received special training at Family Place's headquarters in Long Island, New York.

McCasland said previously that she is excited for the that will be a part of a at 21810 Copley Drive, on the first floor of a building that will become the new city hall by January of 2012.

"I'm very excited," McCasland said. "It means more books, more movies, more computers, and special computers for toddlers and pre-schoolers. It will also mean own activity room and more space to do more things."

The new library is set for completion sometime in the summer of 2012, according to Assistant City Manager David Doyle, who has been leading negotiations with L.A. County on the project.