Earlier this year the Mount Pleasant Public Library initiated a five-month Planning Process to address the challenges the Library faced during the after-school period due to its proximity to three local schools, and to look at ways to better serve preteens. The Library recently introduced some new initiatives based on the results of that process, and is happy to report that there has been a noticeable improvement.
The most visible initiative is the creation of “noise zones” in the Library during the after-school period. There are three zones – a Collaborative Zone (for normal voices), a Quiet Zone (for hushed voices) and a Silent Zone. The planning process identified that school-children wanted an area in the Library that they could call their own and where they could feel comfortable: the Collaborative Zone is designed to be that area. The Quiet and Silent zones are meant to accommodate those patrons looking for more of the quiet library where they can read or get work done. So far this new idea has been very successful.
This approach has been complemented by the purchase of eighteen new, smaller tables designed to accommodate two people, which were funded by the Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library. These tables are doubled-up in the Collaborative Zone (to allow for four at a table) but in the Quiet Zone they are spaced out so that this area is quieter, with mainly one-on-one interactions. The Library also received a grant from State Senator Terrance Murphy to purchase new chairs for these tables in the near future.
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Additionally, after discussions during the planning process, the Library has looked to increase volunteer opportunities and programming for young adults. Volunteer opportunities currently available include a Homework Help program, and a VolunTeens group that encourages young adults to contribute suggestions for future programming. With the help of funding from the Friends, the Library is offering a number of new programs including chess, trivia, and art programs. For more information, please visit the Library’s website: mountpleasantlibrary.org
