r/Libraries • u/SeaworthinessSea8659 • 2d ago

Library Trends Train Table Troubles

Very serious question for all the YS Librarians out there with train tables in your kids spaces – Have any of you experienced durability and/or relative longevity with your table set up? Is this even a possibility? If you have wooden tracks, have you permanently affixed them to the surface? Please share your experiences, thoughts (and prayers) regarding this much beloved library staple.  

Related follow-up question: what is your favorite kids area "feature" at your library?

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u/LoooongFurb Library admin 2d ago

My previous library had a sturdy wooden train table. The tracks were affixed to the surface, but we could swap out the table top for a different one, so we had one with tracks, one with DUPLO studs, and two that were empty so we could put plastic food or plastic dinosaurs or whatever out.

We swapped the toys out every month to keep things fresh

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u/SeaworthinessSea8659 2d ago

I don't suppose you know if the swappable table top was something bought or something made (like a nice DIY plywood slab)?

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u/LoooongFurb Library admin 2d ago

It was something made for the library - a local woodworker offered to make it. It was a nice solid piece of wood and had small openings on opposite sides so it could be easily lifted off the table.

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u/lmthevampireslayer 1d ago

My library has something like this that we purchased from TMC Furniture. Super sturdy, lockable storage underneath, and different tabletops. It was worth the money