Little Discover Center 321 15th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205

"Love it - can’t recommend enough! As first time visitors, we were very pleased with our visit. We were able to call ahead and book a playtime within an hour on the same day for 2 adults and 2 children under 3. When we arrived, there was plenty of parking. Other guests were so friendly, well behaved and respectful of the toys and books. I especially loved that kids were offered a small prize if they cleaned up their station. Staff was so kind and knowledgeable and let us know that books checked out from the facility can be returned at any other Manatee Co library."

"Wow!! Make an appointment and bring your child or children! I can’t believe coming here is free!! This FREE experience is phenomenal! The center is set up in sections for even the youngest toddlers to explore. Each section has books, toys, and exploratory activities. They have science and nature, fairytale (sci fi), construction, and farm animal corners; they have a thoroughly stocked play kitchen, washer/dryer, baby doll care, grill, toaster, and oven area where the toddlers can imagine cooking, serving and setting the table! There are usually one or two craft tables or coloring tables with seasonal crafts or pictures to color. They have a puppet stand and bean bags for watching the puppet show. They even have an “engineering” corner where the kids get to explore creating tunnels and paths, and mathematical (age-appropriate) challenges. And of course almost every child’s favorite is going “shopping” in their market that has boxes (emptied of course) of food, and fake fruits and veggies. The register and scanning counter are a hit as the machine beeps before placing the goods in a grocery bag! The staff is beyond superb! Rosemary and Michele not only creative a kid-friendly, exploratory environment, but they change up the scenes, and crafts, and are helpful resources! My granddaughter gets excited to go say hi to sweet Rosemary ! Just don’t think this is a place to “let your kids go” - this is not a playground! There is a (very good and appreciated ) expectation that you will engage with your child and help them explore and learn. This is not a free-for-all… and all of the parents and care-givers who go there know that and appreciate it. It is Fabulous!! Try it once and you’ll be hooked."

"The Little Discover Center is Fantastic! I am so happy that we found this treasure! We don't have anything like this in Sarasota so we make the drive and it's totally worth it. Every time we go my little one and I find something new and exciting to play with and learn about. I love that each of the six play areas have perfectly themed library books along with the toys, games and learning kits. The best part is because it's a part of the public library system you are able to check out any of the books right from the learning center. They make it super easy, educational and fun! Plus it's free!"

"This is a hidden gem! The Center is set up like a small preschool classroom with different areas for kids to explore, such as transportation, careers, STEM, home, animals, etc. Each area has corresponding books, games, and toys. What makes it so special is the library staff who take extra care and time to get to know the families and make each visit memorable. I have two 4-year-old boys who look forward to their visit every week. This is a tremendous resource for our community."

"The Little Discovery Center has been a life saver for us. My son, who has ASD, SPD and many other medical challenges, loves to come here. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Also, appointments are required and there is a capacity limit of 4 families in the center at one time. This is perfect for us, as my son tends to get overwhelmed easily with too many people around. It allows for him to be in a social environment without it being over stimulating. We are so thankful this place exists."