Children’s Space

 

 

Children’s Reference Desk at White Plains Public Library, New York (Kenney, p. 9)

 

 
Ever since World War I, children have had separate programs and spaces in public libraries.  When setting up a children’s section it is crucial to recognize the importance of setting up an appropriate space for both the children and their guardians.  There are a few different factors to keep in mind when setting up a children’s space in a library.  Some of these factors include materials used and available, the different areas needed and safety issues.

 Materials Used and Available

 

According to Jennifer Knisely, libraries should first consider the types of surfaces on the floors, counters, cabinets and tables (p. 36).  Washable surfaces are always a plus because they cut down on replacement costs.  It is also important to have appropriate storage available for toys, puppets and books but that the storage should also be accessible to all children whatever the age because this will help to “foster a sense of autonomy among the children… and will help provide an overall welcoming sense for all patrons” (Knisely, p. 28).  Labeling shelves and other storage areas with both pictures and print is also beneficial for child development.  Furniture is another important feature to consider.  Obviously, child-sized chairs and tables are needed, but children are usually accompanied by adults who also need their own seating.  Many libraries include rocking chairs or oversized chairs to allow parents to read to their children while the child is seated in their lap (Sannwald, p. 132).

 

 Lighting, both natural and artificial, is also a factor to consider when setting up a children’s €space in a library.  Natural light from windows or skylights is considered crucial; experts write “individuals of all ages have a strong preference for natural lighting, agreeing that daylight improves their moods “(Knisely, p. 32).  Windows also provide children with a look at elements in the outside world such as weather, seasons, and time of day, which librarians can incorporate in their programming (Knisely, p. 30).  Therefore it would be beneficial to build windows at a child’s eye level with safe and sturdy glass.

 

 Electronic resources are also a must for children’s spaces.  According to William Sannwald, media and electronic workstations are extremely popular in children’s areas “because kids have a natural affinity to electronic information and media” (p. 132).  Many libraries are including computers and other electronic resources in the children’s area and are building separate computer labs for children.  Pictured below is an example of a children’s computer lab at the White Plains Public Library in New York (Kenney, p 11).  Notice the amount of color and vibrancy that would not be in an adult computer lab.

  

Different Areas

 

 Within the children’s area there should be areas for separate things.  There should be active areas for play and there should be quiet areas as well for reading and more “one-on-one interaction among children and caregiver (Knisely, p. 37).   The quiet area should promote a sense of bonding and calmness and traffic should not be routed through the quiet area.  Materials that promote active play should be stored in the active areas and materials for quiet or individual play should be stored in the quiet areas.

 

 In modern children library spaces, one must keep in mind that the layout needs to consider various “family-specific needs” (Knisely, p. 32).  There needs to room to maneuver strollers and car seats through the aisles.  There should be a place to store strollers and car seats without being in the way of child exploration.  Furthermore, librarians should keep in mind that the children’s section of the library will not be a quiet zone.  Jennifer Knisely points out that it is developmentally appropriate for children to make noise and that librarians should not stifle children’s creativity and social interaction by shushing the children if their noise level rises above a whisper (p. 29)

 

 Here is an example of a children’s library space layout design.  This is at the White Plains Public Library in New York (Kenney, p. 9).  Notice that each section has its own theme.

 

Here is another example of a children’s room library layout design.  This design was for Nyack Library in New York (Kuzyk, p. 8).

 

 

Safety Issues

 

 Safety is a huge consideration when it comes to layout.  As mentioned above, surfaces should be selected that are washable.  This cuts down on replacement costs but it also is easier to sanitize and thus less likely to spread diseases and germs.  All electrical outlets and sharp corners should be child proofed and heating units should be barricaded off so that children do not accidently burn themselves.  Small toys and plants should be monitored carefully less they end up in a child’s mouth.  Furthermore, everything should be cleaned and sanitized regularly

 Sources

 

Kenney, B. (2006). Welcome to the Fun House. Library Journal (1976) part Library by Design, spring 2006, 8-13.

 

Knisely, J.S. Children’s Library Space Support Emergent Literacy. Bookmobile and Outreach Services, 9 (1), 27-39.

 

Kuzyk, R. (2007). Nyack Library, NY: Putting “Wow in Children’s Room. Library Journal (1976) part Library by Design, Spring 2007, 8.

 

Sannwald, W. (2007). Designing Libraries for Customers. Library Administration and  Management, 21 (3), 131-138.

 

 

Discussion Questions

 

  

What do you believe is the most important feature in the layout of a children’s room?

 

If you were to design your own children’s library room, what theme or themes would be included?

 

What programs do you believe are crucial for a children’s room?

 

What are your thoughts on the fact that the children’s section was barely mentioned in  AIA and ALA Library Building Awards?

 

 

 

Children