Hillsdale Community Library is moving forward with a planning study to guide the renovation and redesign of children’s spaces after receiving approval from Hillsdale City Council on July 20.
Library Director Rebekah Dobski said two board members expressed an interest in updating the spaces, which have changed little in more than two decades. The effort grew from there.
“Everything is … aesthetically out of date,” Dobski said. “Aside from the recent mural, we really don’t have much in these two rooms that reflect the vibrant, creative and explorative purpose of a library.”
The study will be conducted in two phases by MCD for $20,800. The first will assess how the library’s spaces are used, and the second will develop redesign concepts and recommendations based on those findings.
Though the project is focused on the children’s rooms and the hallway near the entrance, the assessment will examine the entire building because of the center’s age — according to Dobski. The structure originally served as a car dealership, and must be evaluated for overall condition and any issues that could impact future projects.
If no major concerns are found, she said, a redesigned space could be completed in about 18 months.
Dobski said the goal isn’t simply to replace furniture but to better meet the needs of modern families, who increasingly use libraries as community destinations.
“(That) can sometimes overwhelm our space, furniture and toys,” she said. “It’s great. It just makes us realize that our space isn’t quite enough for our families.”
The project’s potential improvements could include more comfortable seating, updated learning features, and spaces that encourage imaginative play alongside reading and educational activities.
During the evaluation, MCD will gather feedback from staff, patrons and community members.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale Community Library plans redesign of children’s spaces
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
