In 2014, teens started showing up at the downtown library in increasing numbers, and the youth librarians were delighted to welcome them. But the librarians soon realized they had a wonderful problem: There was not enough furniture in the teen space to accommodate the number of teens who were coming to the library to read, do homework, and hang out with friends.
Discussions with Library Manager Carla Powers and Youth Services staff brought about an idea: to re-design the teen space, bringing in lime green and sky blue furniture, a vibrant new carpet, and an edgy mural that would identify it as a place specifically for teens. Once the idea was conceived and a budget developed, the Foundation sought funding to make it happen.
As the school year began, the new area was revealed to the public—to the delight of teenagers.
Harbor City International School senior Sara Walsh, who was at the unveiling, said, “I’ve been coming here since, like, sixth grade, so I’ve seen it go from worn-down couches with holes in them to this.”
She added, “I’m so happy.”
