Friends help enhance the beloved Peaceful Playa

The corner of the Denny Sanford Children’s Room known as the Peaceful Playa isn’t very large, especially when you consider the spaciousness of the Central Library.

But its coziness helps to make it so special.

The Peaceful Playa is a welcoming retreat from the stimulations of the world for young library users who benefit from its soothing, tranquil environment.

Part of the library’s “I Can Too!” Center -- which helps children of all abilities access library resources -- the Peaceful Playa’s calming decor, comfortable furniture, and sense of seclusion make it popular with families whose children are on the Autism spectrum or face challenges with developmental or learning disabilities.

The Friends of the Central Library is proud to have donated $10,000 to purchase new furniture, equipment and literary resources (many intended for parents and caregivers) as part of an expansion and upgrade of the Peaceful Playa and I Can Too! Center.

Our donation will help purchase new educational toys for soft play, small motor skill development, self-calming, and emotional learning, plus new carpet, pillows, cubbies, and engaging décor like tilt-and-turn sensory windows, and a color-changing infinity mirror and light cube.

The literary resources for families will help them with teaching, engaging and inspiring children with disabilities, with an emphasis on reading instruction.

Like so many worthy programs in every branch library, these valued spaces benefit from donors and volunteers who step up to ensure that our library system prospers in the face of devastating budget cuts.

You can help by shopping at the Friends of the Central Library bookstore (which sells more than just books) and the on-line book sales program of the Friends of the San Diego Public Library. We also appreciate donations of your unneeded books, DVDs, and related items.