In 2000, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County became a Family Place Library.

Family Place Libraries are a network of libraries nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth, and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families.

Expanding the traditional role of children's services, Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. Family Place Libraries redesign the library environment to be welcoming and appropriate for children beginning at birth; connect parents with the resources, programs and services offered at the library and other family service agencies; and reach out to non-traditional library users. This creates the network families need to nurture their children's development during the critical first years of life and helps ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn.

Click here to view the Family Place Newsletter.