Read With Me teams up with year-old nonprofit playspace, art studio

Kid Lab, a year-old playspace and art studio, is now located within Read With Me, the downtown Raleigh children's book store.

Kid Lab, according to its website, has primarily been offering pop-up programs at festivals and public events and inside a small east Raleigh studio. The move to Read With Me allows the group to offer its programs in a more central location.

Kid Lab, according to its website, lets children create with open-ended materials, such as sticks, clay, paint or cloth, as research shows those outside-the-box opportunities build confidence, independence and authentic expression.

"The Lab is designed to be equal parts playspace, art studio and classroom," according to the group's website. "Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully curated toys, activity trays, discovery boxes, open ended materials, and loads of books for creative and curious learners. We hope the whole family will be inspired to play, learn and create in the Lab together!"

Kid Lab will offer classes for kids ages 15 months and up inside Read With Me, including Play Labs, STEAM Labs, workshops and birthday celebrations. Read With Me's calendar has a full listing of all of the Kid Lab programs.

Read With Me is at 111 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, a block or so from Marbles Kids Museum and Moore Square.