So many people are excited and asking about what the youth area will be like in the new library. Here are just a few of the elements I am excited about:
- So many people will be able to find "good" parking spots. The shortage of parking has been a major issue for all library users, but aside from those with mobility issues, I think it affects parents and caregivers of small children the most. Often times, a parent or grandparent is trying to carry a toddler in one arm, hold the hand of preschooler with the other--a bag of books to return over one shoulder, and maybe a diaper bag and purse over the other--AND cross the street at a place where traffic doesn't stop. The new building will have several "nose in" parking spots right against the sidewalk that surrounds the library. Whew!
- Teen library users will have their own dedicated area outside of the main youth department, yet close enough that the youth service desk is accessible for help in finding books and materials, as well as close enough for those "tween" middle school kids (and adults like me!) who will be reading from both sections.
- There will be seating areas of all kinds and configurations, including quiet study rooms, couches, tables with outlets in the top (for laptops, etc.) so that library users can enjoy their time at the library, whether they want solitude and quiet, a place to relax doing homework with friends, or a spot to cozy up and read aloud to a grandchild.
- We will have a separate event space in the youth department. This is usual in most library buildings and means that when a program is going on--from storytime to our regular sixth grade class visits--other library users will have full and free access to all shelving areas. During the time when a program is not going on, people can use the open space to play games, relax and read, etc.
- We will have room for all kinds of topical and seasonal book displays, including being able to display new books in all collections.
- Our youth department staff computer CPU will no longer be propped on a recycled milk crate underneath the youth department desk and we will not have to practice "side saddle desk chair yoga" to use it.
