Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Chicago Public Library Commissioner (CPL) Brian Bannon and Exelon executives for the grand opening of the redesigned Thomas Hughes Children’s Library, an innovative learning center that will serve as a model for branches across the city. Located in Harold Washington Library Center, the newly remodeled 24,000 square foot facility provides a 21st century learning experience for children and caregivers by combining traditional library service with early literacy, Maker Lab activities and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning. Thomas Hughes Children’s Library has a “plaza” for families with children of all ages to gather, and three surrounding “neighborhoods” to serve early learners, elementary learners and tweens with computers as well as books and play collections. The Early Learner Neighborhood promotes play-based learning through play and includes an interactive puppet stage, a baby garden and a story nook. The Elementary Learner Neighborhood provides STEAM-based activities and materials for school-aged children to promote inquiry-based learning. The Tween Neighborhood includes a digital media space where children are encouraged to explore STEAM projects that incorporate laptops, digital cameras, keyboards and blue screen and virtual reality tools.