Keep Excitement High, Costs Low

In this economic climate, many libraries that have developed extensive plans to renovate or expand are now finding themselves unable to execute their capital projects. They face fewer and overtapped donor sources in both the public and private sectors. This contraction of support collides with greater demand for library services and shifting expectations for the services and experiences at the library. With a little creativity, libraries can respond to the most pressing needs while keeping stakeholders engaged in the long-term vision for the library.

The library has evolved from a place where information is stored and retrieved to a place where information is exchanged and created. Gen Y is now surprisingly the largest growing demographic user group of public libraries. Look at colleges, social networks, hotels, and markets to imagine the future of the public library.

As such, the library is an active mixed-use community center for groups to study, meet, and attend events and conferences while employing various media and information technologies. At the same time, the library is a quiet oasis for individuals to work, compute, relax, read, and contemplate. However, the fixed spaces and outdated furnishings of many libraries conceived in the 20th century were not designed for the mixed and flexible uses of the 21st century. Often groups cannot find available or suitable places to collaborate and socialize, and individuals cannot find an empty seat at a computer table or at a program.

During lean times, how can libraries respond to needs in the short term and remain poised for the future? How can a library keep big visions and big plans alive in the minds and hearts of its constituents and supporters?

Westport Public Library (WPL), one of the busiest libraries in Connecticut, is addressing these issues head on. Some 1600 visitors per day cram into every bit of its 50,000 square feet. Concept plans completed two years ago responded to the library's ambition to provide more welcoming and flexible spaces for gathering, working, and socializing for a 21st-century-minded community, but the funding to realize plans for the 80,000 square foot expansion and renovation is not all in hand while the needs are mounting. Doing nothing is not an option, and neither is spending a lot of money. Instead the library will leverage scarce dollars wisely, with furnishing and technology improvements that create and demonstrate:

• a fresher look and feel
• collaborative and flexible uses of key spaces
• more capacity and choices of seating
• integration of current technologies and power outlets
• energy savings and green design

In addition, by showcasing how the library is addressing some pressing needs, WPL hopes to garner donor attention and foster public discourse of its intended expansion plans.

WPL has identified about 5000 existing square feet to implement and test these improvements, which Director Maxine Bleiweis characterizes as an opportunity to perform a “preoccupancy evaluation.” Three key areas are a periodical room, a quiet corner room, and an alcove of reading/work tables. These proposed cosmetic and furnishing improvements, potentially costing under $250,000 and targeted to be completed over the next year, are sustainable investments. They can be reused when the larger scale renovation and expansion plans are enacted.