WNC Opens Second Family Friendly Study Space in Joe Dini Library

Western Nevada College News

Western Nevada College celebrated the opening of its second Family Friendly Study Space on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. The newly opened space, located in Joe Dini Library, features a playful dinosaur theme designed to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students with young children.

The second Family Friendly Study Space was made possible through grant funding provided by the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council (CD ECAC). The funding originates from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), which was awarded to the Nevada Department of Education through the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

WNC Child Development Center Director Anna Lisa Acosta-Rogers, who serves as treasurer for the CD ECAC, said the idea for the space grew out of conversations about how best to support children and families in the community.

"Last year, when we were discussing ideas for funding projects that meet the needs of children and families in our area, I immediately thought of WNC's Joe Dini Library and the Family Friendly Study Space," Acosta-Rogers said. "We are so happy this worked out and proud to be a part of providing additional space for WNC students with young children to have a safe and appropriate environment for their children."

The library's first Family Friendly Study Space opened last year and quickly became a popular resource for students balancing coursework and parenting responsibilities.

"The library team is very grateful to the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council for sponsoring WNC's latest commitment to supporting our students," said Ron Belbin, WNC's Learning and Innovation Director. "The Family Friendly Study Room allows students to bring their young children to the library so they can continue working toward their educational goals at times when childcare may not be available."

With the addition of this second space, Western Nevada College continues to expand its efforts to support student success by addressing the real-life challenges faced by today's learners.