Libraries are evolving. Gone are the silent, stoic, halls with shelves as far as the eye can see. People of all ages visit the library to connect with others, create new things, and discover new ideas. Libraries are one of the few remaining establishments where the public can interact with others without the expectation of spending money. The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is ensuring that our locations transform along with the needs of the community, which is why we are embarking on a space planning project to be completed over the next several years.
How does the Library design library space to fit your needs? We find out what you want! The Library has held public meetings and chatted with community members to learn which elements should be included within our newly-designed spaces. In order to receive more input, our architects at Studio GC have recorded the content from these public meetings and put together a presentation that is available online. Customers who visit our YouTube page and watch the video will be directed to fill out a survey at the end. Executive director, Michaela Haberkern, is excited to see what insights will come from this approach.
She said, “We’ve gotten so much great information from this process, and I’m looking forward to learning more from the online survey. I really can’t wait to start making the changes that will make our libraries better for everyone!”
In this recording, Rick McCarthy from Studio GC gives a brief overview of how the emergence of technology (specifically television and the internet) has changed the way we interact with each other. People used to sit on their front porches and talk to each other, greeting neighbors and passers-by with a hello. Nowadays, those opportunities for interaction and conversation have dwindled. “One of the things that we believe is that in a lot of ways, the Library can function as the front porch of the community and help fill in for all those opportunities for personal interaction that we used to have.”
He describes how many libraries are opting for multi-functional spaces with mobile shelving and portable walls. This allows for large-scale events to take place without building an expensive, dedicated event space. McCarthy covers the unique limitations at both West Branch and Eola Road Branch in being attached to a school and the park district building, respectively. Studio GC is eager to tackle those challenges and find ways to make them work more effectively.
The Space Planning survey can be found on the Library’s YouTube page, www.youtube.com/
AuroraPublicLibraryIL and is available for viewing in both English and Spanish. After viewing the presentation please complete the survey and submit it by July 11. For questions, or concerns, contact communication@aurorapubliclibrary.org.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.