Libraries Designed for Kids

Introduction. Improving Service by Design                            1
Not Just Information                                           2
The Value of Libraries for Children                             2
Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program                                7
What Draws Children to Public Libraries?                        8
Chapter 1. Innovative Children's Library Models                     11
Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Libraries                    11
Twenty-First-Century Libraries                                 11
Sustainable Design-Green Libraries                            19
School Libraries                                              20
Chapter Summary                                               23
Chapter 2. Planning a New Children's Library                        25
Brief Outline of the Planning Process                         25
Create the Planning Team                                      26
Perform a Community Demographic Analysis                      28
Elicit Community Input                                        29
Create Vision and Mission Statements                          31
Analyze the Current Library Facilities and Services            33
Create the Physical Building Program                          37
A Streamlined Approach to Planning for Small Libraries         37
Chapter Summary                                                38
Chapter 3. Assessing Physical Needs                                 39
Facility Evaluation                                           40
Objectives                                                     41
Determining Adequate Space                                    42
Guidelines and Space Standards                                 43
Size Estimates and Spreadsheets for a Small and a Larger Library  45
Chapter Summary                                                47
Chapter 4. Design Considerations                                    49
Thinking About Children                                        49
Designing for Children                                         51
Specific Considerations to Enhance the Library Experience      53
Children Differ from Adults in How They Use the Library        58
Self-Service and Staff Service                                 59
Security and Safety                                           60
Chapter Summary                                                60
Chapter 5. Organizing the Children's Area                           61
Organic Design                                                 61
Future Furnishings                                            62
Spatial Relationships and Traffic Flow                        62
Organizing Functional Areas                                   64
Handicapped Access                                            68
Diversity and Cultural Response                               68
New Buildings, Additions, and Adaptive Reuse                  68
One-Story versus Multistory Libraries                          70
Zones and Boundaries                                           71
Rhythm of Use                                                 72
Chapter Summary                                               72
Chapter 6. Entrances, Displays, Graphics, and Lighting              73
.Entrances                                                     73
Displays                                                      73
Graphics and Wayfinding                                       75
Lighting                                                      77
Chapter Summary                                               83
Chapter 7. Age-Related Design                                       85
Designing for Young Children                                  85
Designing for Older Children                                  91
Designing Young Adult Services                                95
Chapter Summary                                               98
Chapter 8. Designing Program, Activity, and Staff Areas             99
Activities and Program Areas                                  99
Library Staff Service and Work Areas                         102
Chapter Summary                                              105
Chapter 9. Furnishings and Equipment                              107
Entrance                                                    107
Active Zones                                                107
Quiet Zones                                                 109
Workstations and Study Areas                                109
Seating Design Considerations                               111
Electronic Workstations for Staff                           113
Floors                                                      115
Design Result                                               115
Chapter Summary                                             116
Chapter 10. Quick Fixes and Common Mistakes                       117
Displays                                                    117
Weeding                                                     117
Lighting                                                    117
Collaboration                                               118
Common Mistakes and Simple Solutions                        118
Chapter Summary                                             119