Library Desk Created for Working Parents Goes Viral

It’s no secret that being a parent comes with astronomical challenges. However, it’s even more challenging for a working parent trying to balance both aspects. Consequently, a single mom from Virginia understands the hardships and chooses to do something about it. Her local library has gone viral after she came up with the idea of having baby cribs attached to the library desks.

Working Parents Need Support

Barbara Weedman is the director at the Henrico County Public Library. However, she was a mom long before that. A single mom trying to find a balance between work and raising her son. Although her son is fully grown, she still understands the struggles of a working parent. “I know how challenging it can be for caregivers to access things that are welcoming for them, much less intentionally designed for them, in public places,” She shared. 

Creating a Helpful Idea

After some observation at work, she realized a problem that existed in her own space. Seemingly, parents often struggle to keep their children occupied while also trying to use the computers simultaneously. Recognizing that public spaces aren’t designed with families in mind, she chose to use her power and her voice to create change. As a result, making easier the lives of single or working parents.

The idea began in 2017 when the library was relocated to a newly built building. As a result, Weedman decided that part of the new design would include “work-play stations.” These would give working parents internet access and ensure their children a safe place to be occupied. Two years after Weedman developed this innovative design, the Fairfield Area Library opened in 2019.  

“On opening day, a mother with an infant and a small child sat down at a Work and Play Station to use the computer and placed her children in the carrel — without having received any direction from staff. It was gratifying to see that the design was immediately intuitive.” Weedman exclaimed.

Support for Every Member

Although single and working parents benefit from this new resource, Weedman explains that the library’s mission went a little deeper. The Fairfield Area Library is near a predominantly Black neighborhood, with multiple generations living in some households. She explained that, “These caregivers may not have internet access at home, or they may just need a quiet place away from home to get a little work done. People with all different kinds of needs use these workstations, just like how people with all different kinds of needs use the library.” Weedman disclosed. Moreover, it’s important to her that people have all demographics have access to information and the ability to learn. “These Work and Play Stations are just another way libraries can be supportive, a piece of infrastructure that helps meet information needs and makes our spaces more accessible and inclusive for caregivers of small children,” she said. 

Working Parents Feel Heard

Libraries often have music or reading groups for children. Mostly focused on literacy, these are amazing opportunities for children to learn and get to know each other. Alternatively, Weedman explained how her idea took parental support to new heights—in particular, working parents who’re challenged by their everyday demands. “Parents and caregivers of children have information needs of their own,” she said. “The public library can be a crucial source of computer access to caregivers who don’t have internet or computers at home. For anyone seeking a career change, reentering the workforce, or starting a small business, computer access can be critical to their lives and livelihoods.” Further explaining, “We believe people shouldn’t need to arrange childcare just to visit us and use the computers. We want intergenerational groups to visit us all together, and we want the library to meet all their needs at once.”

Grateful Community Members

One grateful citizen, Matt Hansen, commented on the new design. “A couple of times a week, I need to hold some office hours to knock out some emails, place inventory orders, and take care of the many other things that require me to sit down at a computer to accomplish,” he said. “It’s amazing to have access to something like that. Whether you’re answering emails and placing quick orders like me. Or just need access to a computer, having the ability to put your kid in a safe place at arm’s reach where they can be occupied for free is an amazing thing,” he said. Adding, “I can’t emphasize enough how amazing it is to have access to something like these as a public service.”

Going Viral

Despite its many benefits, the library didn’t go viral until January of 2022. “At first, we were surprised to see them go viral and some of the impassioned responses online,” Weedman explained. “But then we understood that people with small children were happy to feel seen and considered in a public space.” Ali Faruk, Policy Director for Families Forward Virginia, tweeted a picture of the workstations. Not long after it went viral and drew in national attention. FFV is an organization based in Virginia whose mission is to support families and professionals addressing child abuse and neglect. Furthermore, with the intent to “disrupt” the patterns of child abuse.

While parents struggle, particularly as working parents, there are a number of local and national resources to help support overwhelmed parents and their families. Some are specifically intended to support single parents, while others are geared toward supporting working parents. However, all provide support, insight, and even ways to connect with other single or working parents.

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