Beloit Public Library has received a generous $25,000 gift from Ho-Chunk Nation to support the Native Ecology Area within Discovery PLAYce, the library’s early learning and family engagement space slated to open this fall.
Located within Discovery PLAYce, the Native Ecology Area will offer children and families a nature-inspired, hands-on experience that encourages exploration of the local environment through play. Plans for the area include interactive musical cattails and a musical dragonfly, scenic graphics with integrated letters to support literacy development.
“We saw this as a chance to invest in something that impacts people’s everyday lives,” said Representative Shelby Visintin, Legislator for the Ho-Chunk Nation. “The library is a hub for learning, connection, and opportunity, and that aligns with what we believe in as a Nation. Through this partnership, we’re hoping to support programming that brings people together, expands access to resources, and creates real value for the Beloit community.”
Beloit Public Library is appreciative of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s support. “We are deeply grateful to Ho-Chunk Nation for this generous investment in Discovery PLAYce and in the children and families of our community,” said Library Director Nick Dimassis. “Their support of the Native Ecology Area will help create a space where young learners can build a connection to the natural environment while gaining knowledge through play, discovery, and storytelling. Perhaps most exciting will be the coordinated programming that the Ho-Chunk Nation will bring to our patrons.”
Discovery PLAYce is a transformational project currently under development at Beloit Public Library that will serve children from birth through age 6 and the adults who care for them. Designed around research-based early learning principles, the space will feature a variety of themed Learning Play Stations that encourage language development, problem-solving, imagination, and social-emotional growth.
To learn more about Discovery PLAYce and support the Campaign for Beloit’s Children, visit beloitlibrary.org/discovery-playce/discovery-playce/.
