Big Possibilities for Little Learners
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, there's even more for kids to love at Burlington Public Library!
If you've visited one of our branches recently, you may have noticed something new in the children's area. Bright colours, exciting toys, interactive technology, and inviting places to play and read are all part of a library-wide refresh designed with our youngest customers in mind.
Throughout 2026, we've been making improvements to our children's areas, creating more opportunities for kids to play, learn, imagine, and enjoy time together. These upgrades were made possible by a generous legacy gift from the Estate of James Williams and donations to Burlington Public Library's Kids Learning Fund.
And judging by the smiles we're seeing, the new additions are already a hit with kids and their grown-ups.
Learning Through Play
Play is serious business for growing minds! It's how children make sense of the world, develop new skills, solve problems, and learn to work with others.
Our refreshed children's areas offer a wonderful mix of hands-on activities that encourage kids to experiment, create, and follow their curiosity.
At several branches, colourful light tables invite children to build glowing designs with magnetic tiles. Interactive walls let little hands arrange gears, experiment with movement, and discover what happens when they try something new.
At Brant Hills Branch, a new magnetic sensory wall has become a favourite with children of all ages, including older kids and tweens. They love figuring out different routes to send a ball rolling down the wall. It's a fun challenge that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and a little trial and error.
Meanwhile, families at Tansley Woods are enjoying the new gear wall and light table. Parents have commented on how much fun their children are having while practicing fine motor skills through play.
At Alton Branch, a new everbright—a big, interactive Lite Bright—is bringing joy and opportunities for collaboration for the whole family.
Central Branch’s children’s area features new building materials and creative activities, along with a colourful everbright light-up wall that invites children to make their own designs.
Curious kids love the new magnetic sensory wall at Brant Hills Branch
Something New to Try
One of the most exciting changes is the introduction of interactive technology that encourages children to play together.
At several branches, new Touch2Play screens have replaced older children's computer stations. These interactive screens offer engaging digital games and activities, giving kids opportunities to take turns, cooperate, and share the experience.
At New Appleby, children can also bring their artwork to life with Draw Alive, an imaginative activity that turns their drawings into animated creations.
And there's always something different to discover! Activity tables offer building blocks, trains, gears, and other hands-on toys that will be changed regularly to keep playtime fresh and interesting.
And there’s more to come! The children’s area at Aldershot Branch will get a new light table and a wall-mounted interactive play panel later this fall. Stay tuned!
These additions offer families more ways to enjoy the library, with activities suited to different ages, interests, and abilities.
Books and Beyond
Of course, books remain at the heart of our children's areas. The refreshed spaces are designed to make reading and play natural companions. Children can enjoy a story, build something inspired by their imagination, or settle in with a favourite book after an exciting play session.
Flexible furnishings and activity spaces also make it easier to accommodate drop-in play, library programs, and families spending time together.
Every detail supports a bigger goal: helping children develop a love of learning and reading while making the library a welcoming place where everyone belongs.
Made Possible by You
These improvements are about much more than new toys and technology. They're about giving children opportunities to learn through play, discover what interests them, and build confidence as they grow.
We're incredibly grateful to the Estate of James Williams and everyone who has supported the Kids Learning Fund, made a monthly donation, or remembered Burlington Public Library in their estate plans.
Thanks to your generosity, our children’s areas are even better places to play, learn, and grow. You're making a difference in the lives of Burlington's children, one little discovery at a time.
