“The new children’s area has more room for my parents to sit and read with me.”
The library of Woodstock, New York, Children’s Section
The children’s section was redesigned to increase use by young teens and to encourage parents to stay and read to their young children. Bookshelves were reorganized into separate zones for early readers, junior readers, and young adults. Two early-reading educational stations and two after-school homework help systems were integrated into the new space. The young adults section provided teens a private area with a couch and desks for their use in preparing homework.
The redesign was very well-received by library patrons. Parents commented there was more room to sit down plus, they could see their children walk about without loosing site of them. This features made parents more comfortable to stay longer. Library staff also reported more books were being loaned out of the children’s section than in previous months.
WORK
- Research library user and staff needs
- Create separate zones for each reading level
- Add seating and desk areas for young adults
- Purchase computers with educational software
- Design a space that appeals to three age groups
Tree created by Kelli Bickman
Wall panels by Michael Hunt
