COMING DOWN THE CHUTE. Jessi Peterson displays the many ways to utilize the new magnet wall at the CFPL.

It's tough – like, really tough – to find a place for your kiddos to get out of your hair and play during the wintertime – especially during a pandemic. But the Chippewa Falls Public Library is expanding their offerings to help families get out and safely play this winter.

The library recently finished the installation of a new magnet wall, along with accessories, tables, and chairs, to the children’s section of the library. The new play area was made possible through the Community Foundation of Chippewa County Response - Recovery - Rebuild Fund – a fund used to address the impact of the COVID-19 public health crisis in Chippewa County.

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WE always want to be a place where our community can gather.

“We’ve struggled with being a place where you come, get what you need, and quickly go home,” said Children's Services Coordinator Jessi Peterson. “It’s been hard, because we always want to be a place where our community can gather. That’s been the most difficult thing.”

The magnet wall features a variety of ramps, shoots, and walls which allow children to individualize their play time and learn a thing or two along the way. The donated tables and chairs also allow for more accessible seating in the children’s area, allowing families to more readily enjoy their time together.

With a new temporary Children's Museum of Eau Claire pop-up play area coming to Bridge Street in Chippewa Falls in the coming months, Peterson said the library wanted to tailor their offerings to provide a unique experience in Chippewa Falls.

“We wanted to be very thoughtful about what we brought back into the room,” Peterson said. “Not only that, but we knew families would need a safe indoor space to gather and explore during these unsure times.”

Check out more about the Chippewa Falls Public Library at chippewafallslibrary.org.