Who made it happen
Designed, built and installed by Stephanie Jefferies, working in collaboration with Leeds Central Library teams.
What was needed
Leeds Central Library wanted to introduce play into its Children’s Library in a way that felt appropriate to a public, shared and largely quiet environment. The space needed to support early years children under five, including those seeking sensory regulation or quieter forms of engagement, while remaining inclusive, accessible and easy to manage day to day.
What we did
The Tiny Totley Studio was designed by play-inspired artist Stephanie Jefferies as a bespoke play environment for the library and its users. It includes a slide, a den, tactile objects and a site-specific sound installation, offering a balance of physical, sensory and quiet play.
The space invites children to move, rest, explore and read, with inclusive design features — including breast- and bottle-feeding–inspired forms within a soft ball pool — ensuring it is welcoming to a wide range of families and early years needs.
Playful™ impact
The introduction of the Tiny Totley Studio has brought new life to the early years area of the Children’s Library, encouraging families to spend longer in the space and supporting positive early relationships with libraries as places for both play and learning.
By offering accessible, low-pressure play within a trusted civic setting, the Studio helps children feel confident and welcome, while reinforcing the Library’s role as an inclusive cultural resource for local families.
Gallery
