Garden City Library

Children’s Room Renovation

Constructed in 1972, the prior Children’s Room at the Garden City Public Library was out of touch with today’s patron’s needs. Fixed furniture, lack of power outlets, poor lighting, and a lack of options for various users made for a static environment. The existing finishes were in need of replacement, and the Library desired to give the existing 4,500 square foot space its own identity. Additionally, an existing large circulation desk was currently situated partially within the existing lobby, and partially within the Children’s Room, taking up valuable real estate.

We designed a new state-of-the-art Children’s Room with the intention of providing functional spaces for each of the targeted age groups; toddlers, young children, tweens, and parents. In addition to traditional stack areas for collections, our team designed reading areas of different sizes and configurations to accommodate all users, a dedicated reading room for story time and presentations, computer and printer stations, and a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) room with flexible furniture and technology to support current and future learning styles and group collaboration. Glazed partitions and lower stacks improve site lines and connectivity, while colors, finishes, and furnishings tailored to each age group help to designate areas for reading, play, collaboration and learning. New LED lighting and access to power throughout provide a bright, modern, and productive environment. Red List Free carpeting was selected to improve indoor air quality and keep harmful substances out of the space.

The existing main circulation desk that previously protruded into the Children’s Room was replaced with a more compact and efficient design, allowing for space to be reclaimed for display and parent seating, as well as improved entry lobby wayfinding strategy. Throughout the design process, We worked closely with the Library to stick to the established budget, while achieving the project goals.

Photography by: Brian Berkowitz Photography