“When the library was expanded in 1988, it was thought the space would house children’s materials. At the time, there was not enough circulation to warrant expansion. In time, there was enough circulation, but not enough funding. The space remained unused, except for storage, until now,” explained Julie Sanvidge, director of the Lebanon Public Library.
In the tech center designed by SHP Leading Design in Cincinnati, patrons 12 years and older now have access to 16 new public computers, a variety of workspaces and WiFi, all in a quiet work environment. Additional computers remain available for use on the main floor.
The addition also includes the library’s first conference room with mobile furniture for maximum flexibility.
“We will use it to provide individual and classroom instruction on downloading library materials, utilizing library-provided databases, internet safety and more,” Sanvidge said. “We now have space to develop maker clubs for older children and adults. The new space represents new opportunities for new and improved services. “
Jenny Gallow, an interior designer with SHP, said the look of the new space balances modern design with the library’s Carnegie heritage.
“By its very nature a technology center should be a contemporary space that embraces the future while encouraging its users to understand and use the space to the full extent of its resources,” she said. “The Lebanon Library Technology Center achieves this with a mix of modern design touches including metallic tones, hexagon-shaped carpet and ceiling tiles and contemporary furniture and fabrics.
“Since this addition is housed in a very traditional building, it was important that the center also embraces and respects the historic aspects of this community landmark. Exterior brick was incorporated into the center’s design to acknowledge the architecture that surrounds it, and leaded glass windows similar to those upstairs were used in the addition. The result is an exciting new community resource that delivers a technology and knowledge-rich space that seamlessly blends old and new.”
Sanvidge said Warhol-esque pop art panels depict “the beloved old library façade in a new, exciting way. It’s the perfect blend of old and new.”
In the past, improved technology services have meant greater use of the Lebanon library and some tensions between the types of patrons seeking services.
“We added free WiFi a few years ago and suddenly there were new patrons occupying every available workspace for hours at a time,” Sanvidge said. “We added eBooks to our offerings and patrons flooded us with requests for help with their devices and our downloadables. The circulation of our physical items continued to climb, with more and more traditional patrons visiting the library.
“We were crowded, understaffed, and the two types of patrons were at cross purposes – some wanting a quiet work zone and others wanting the traditional, friendly, chatty place they had come to love. These were the day-to-day pressing problems that prompted us to develop the lower level.”
This new technology center allows the library to accommodate both those seeking traditional and digital literacy.
“We are 100 percent committed to growing and maintaining our collection of physical items, but we are also committed to providing access and education in the digital environment. However the future shakes out, we feel like we are ready for it,” Sanvidge said.
The library also updated its Story Time facilities for its youngest patrons, expanding the room to include a craft room with child-sized furniture, a family bathroom and new artwork.
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