Imagine sitting along a wall of mysteries, with panels of puzzles waiting to be solved. Or gazing out as classic youth literature characters invite you to explore the books inside. The George K. Saloff Family Children’s Library celebrates your creativity. It’s where kids of all ages – from the young to simply young at heart – can be exactly that.

The reimagined Saloff Children’s Library is once again enthralling readers. This lively center on Main Library’s second floor boasts a transformative renovation, with new displays joining classic fixtures. A model steamship inspires awe as people enter. The interactive light display, Mystery Wall, Dr. Seuss Wall and Nancy Drew Room enthrall returning customers. Children’s Library Manager Mary Rava Miller said there’s a “wow” factor to this redesign.

“To have something interactive, like the Mystery Wall and Dr. Seuss Wall, just makes the environment so magical,” Miller said. “This has always been a destination place, but even more now. We’ve been so busy since we opened.”

New technology and furniture blend seamlessly with the art deco style. At the light wall, children and caregivers spin interactive circles to form color patterns. Adults happily peruse the extensive Nancy Drew collection, with books and collectibles donated by Jennifer Fisher. Standards such as the Rainbow Fish saltwater tank, Creativity Lab and Gold Cadillac are back. Also returning is the Robert L. and Posy Huebner Collection, one of the largest collections of original art from children’s books housed in a public library. More is still to come. The upcoming video game setup and school readiness room are sure to be in demand.

“This library is a draw. It’s engaging for kids and their caregivers. That’s what it’s all about.”

Mary Rava Miller
Children’s Library Manager

Programming remains exceptionally popular. Storytimes for preschoolers includes early literacy skills, parenting tips, and puppet shows. The Savage Creativity Lab hosts art, cooking, science and technology activities. School groups frequently visit for field trips. This is all in addition to books everywhere: beginning-to-read materials, current series, graphic novels and Harry Potter are among the most read.

“This library is a draw,” Miller said. “It’s engaging for kids and their caregivers. That’s what it’s all about.”

The library also features the Huebner Program Room, ProMedica Picture Book Room, Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation Children’s Computer Center and Joseph and Judith Conda Family School Readiness Room. Support was provided as well through a generous gift from the George K. Saloff estate.