Parent-Friendly Library Desk Goes Viral On Twitter

When a public space is accomodating to parents in a way we haven’t seen before, we want to shout it from the rooftops to let fellow parents know about it. That’s the case with this workstation-style desk found at a local Virginia library.

In a tweet shared by Ali Faruk, the policy director of Families Forward Virginia, you can see the desk has a parent portion and a baby-proof portion for a small child. There’s a computer set up on the grown-up side, and colorful learning panels for babies and toddlers on the adjoining side.

Basically, Henrico County Public Library has set the standard for parent-child harmony.

“A new public library in my area has these work stations for caregivers with babies!” Faruk tweeted. “Maybe these are common in other places but I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

A new public library in my area has these work stations for caregivers with babies! Maybe these are common in other places but Ive never seen anything like this before. pic.twitter.com/svmhWu7QbK
— Ali Faruk (@FamiliesFwdVA) January 22, 2022

The desk is made by TMC Furniture, a company known for creating furniture “inspired by imagination, invention and a passion to transform spaces into remarkable and joyful experiences,” according to its website.

Sure, maybe a parent or caregiver wouldn’t be able to write a 5,000-word essay with a baby in tow at one of these desks—but it offers a much better opportunity to get something done on the computer. Especially compared to the alternative sans Miracle Desk, which is getting nothing done on the computer.

According to research conducted by the Gates Foundation, people utilize their community library’s computers for so many reasons—to search for and apply for jobs and housing, to catch up on email, to take advantage of a faster connection, assistance from a librarian, or temporary access to wi-fi during an emergency.

Many fellow parents and caregivers were impressed with this contraption, because who wouldn’t be?!

Clearly not just for babies; there are story prompts & a simple maze for young children to entertain themselves in safety while caregiver works. Smart, inclusive workspace.https://t.co/HFnMwUywt3
— Stable Genius Kay (@KayInMD) January 23, 2022

This is a game-changer. I worked in a busy metropolitan library & too often saw moms in very difficult circumstances try to manage their babies/toddlers while using the PACs to apply for jobs or housing. It was so difficult for them. What a great innovation. Well done! 👍
— J ☮️ ❤️🌹 (@j_overthemoon) January 23, 2022

Giving people with kids good facilities also makes libraries more enjoyable for the rest of us without kids. Nobody can hear an unhappy child and not be distracted. It is in my own interest to see good facilities for kids – everywhere. (Also, I like kids.)
— Søren Markvard Riis (@SorenMRiis) January 23, 2022

I would have broken down in tears had they had these at my library as a new mom…it would have given me…precious time.
— MaggieMaeCat (@MaggieMaeCat) January 22, 2022

This is what thoughtful, inclusive public services look like. Well done.
— PrettyBonesArt (@PrettyBonesJML) January 22, 2022

Libraries have been inundated with after school babysitting, online school demands, and work-first welfare programs needs of job applicants. Necessity is the mother of great inventions and adoptions
— Jean Norris (@Blujeans2Jean) January 23, 2022

During the first five years of parenthood, I was a freelance writer and aspiring novelist. I basically lived in my local library. Though I have always had the privilege of an at-home computer and internet connection, I would absolutely go to the library with my little one to use furniture like this if our library had it.

Libraries often play an essential role in the lives of parents, caregivers, and young children because they’re always a model for innovation and inclusivity. This type of workstation is just wonderful.

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