Turn Your Library Into a Community Destination
Originally presented at the 2023 NYLA Annual Conference
November 2023
Renovations can be overwhelming but are necessary to meet changing community needs. This presentation will discuss everything you need to know to turn your library into a community destination.
Today’s libraries are attracting renewed interest and increased traffic by re-introducing themselves as an integral part of their surrounding community. As a cornerstone of the community, libraries serve the public as destinations of knowledge and learning and as engaging spaces where people gather and socialize.
For early childhood development, libraries and the programs they offer to promote literacy are essential to develop the reading skills required for academic success and a life-long reading habit. For New Americans, they provide vital educational programs, citizen support, and community resources.
From our experience and research, this presentation will discuss how renovations of any size can be accomplished to meet their community’s needs. Topics that will be discussed include:
Creating an atmosphere that inspires and engages the community
Flexible spaces that allow for collaboration and learning
Experiential, content-creation community spaces
Improving building layout and programmatic uses
Inviting entrances that immediately engage and provide wayfinding
Meeting the needs of your staff and community
If you’d like further information about Edge or our projects, please contact us.
