Having a small child should not be a barrier to internet and computer access at the library. CCPL is excited to announce the installation of a new parent and child workstation at Meadowdale Library.
Imagine juggling reading a book, doing research, applying for a job, or just using a computer in general while taking care of a child. Many parents and caregivers go through this, and The Altrusa International of the Capital City of Virginia Club saw the need to offer a solution to Chesterfield County Public Library. On Saturday, Dec. 3, the organization officially donated a family workstation to Meadowdale Library.
The family workstation, also known as a carrel, allows parents or caregivers to use library resources while their child is next to them. The carrel caught the attention of members of the Altrusa Club after taking a trip to a Henrico County Public Library, where the idea of the carrel originated. The donation aligns with the club’s purpose which is to provide a main channel through which women in business and the professions can work together as a powerful volunteer service force to help solve community and world problems.
Altrusa International of the Capital City of Virginia is a 501(3) c organization. It was chartered in 1995 by 23 professional civic-minded women from the greater Richmond area. Their donation not only provides a solution for the obstacles many parents and caregivers have, but it also commemorates Carolyn Weiss Guertin, who was a member of Altrusa. “Carolyn was a trailblazer. She was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in WWII, which was unheard of, and earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The club decided they wanted to follow that, be innovative like Carolyn,” shared Daisy Lackey, president of Altrusa International of the Capital City of Virginia Club, during the ceremony at Meadowdale Library. “We know this workstation will allow a parent to come here and bring the child and spend the time they need to use the library resources to grow themselves and become prosperous in their community.”
Meadowdale Library was chosen by the Altrusa club because it is located in a community that would benefit from the carrel. James Hudson, branch manager at Meadowdale Library, was very excited to receive the donation and help parents and caregivers overcome the obstacles they commonly face. “Throughout the years, I’ve seen sort of the barriers of having small children confined to a stroller and parents and caregivers juggling. Here at Meadowdale Library this will be a well-used piece of furniture for our community,” says Hudson.
The family workstation at Meadowdale Library will give parents and caregivers the opportunity to grow as a person and still be able to keep their kids close. It will not only help one generation, but it will generate a change for future ones. “This introduces an element that allows a child to not only learn and be taken care of, but also watch mom and dad learn,” says Dr. Michael Mabe, Director of Library Services. A child should not be an obstacle to improvement, and the Altrusa International of the Capital City of Virginia club and Chesterfield County Public Library are taking the steps to prove that.
Meadowdale Library is located at 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield, VA 23234.
