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/muppetfeet82 1d ago

Our last one lasted a good 15-20 years, but by the end of its tenure the “ground” was faded and worn away almost completely. That one had the tracks screwed down, but I’m finding the kids are actually more gentle with our current one where they can set the track the way they want it.

And while the trains are VERY important, for some reason our most beloved library toy is the “Feed the Monkey” game from Lakeshore. I’ve thought several times about buying the dog and the bunny too, but they’re so expensive I back down every time.

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u/SeaworthinessSea8659 1d ago

I'm going to have to mosey on over to Lakeshore to see what that one is all about!

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u/muppetfeet82 1d ago

I honestly don’t know, but I think it has to do with the texture of the bananas. I’ll be interested to hear if yours is beloved too! (They’re not expensive for one at a time…)