BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County is investing $465,000 for a designated teen space at the Central Library in downtown Buffalo. This money will also go towards interior enhancements to create an improved environment for children and families.
Formerly known as the Children's Space, this new space now has new carpeting, new public PCs, new comfy and contemporary furniture that is teen-friendly, a new service desk, wall paint, and recharging stations. Teen programming will also be enhanced with an allocated space for beading, board games, and crafting. There are also moveable walls for video-making backdrops.
“This new space gives teens a place to relax, study, be creative and make use of the library’s extensive resources in a setting that is comfortable and inviting,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The library is a place to learn and grow and, in many ways, this Teen Space will foster that growth."
There has not been a designated "teen space" in over a decade at the Central Library. The decisions about the refurbishment including furniture, colors, new features, and programming were all based on conversations and surveys with local teens.
“If you haven’t visited the downtown Central Library in a while, now is the time,” said Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Director John Spears. “We have heard our patrons and the local community express what they want to see in this building, and we have embarked on a series of improvements that will help to address those needs. From a completely new Teen Space to a more comfortable and inviting Children’s Room, these enhancements will offer a variety of welcoming spaces for those who visit us. Users of all ages deserve a library that reflects their unique desires and needs. With the financial assistance offered by the County Executive and Legislature, we are proud to say that we are well on our way to achieving that goal.”
The investment will also be used in the future to further develop the Teen Space. This includes:
- A glass wall to run along one side of the room separating it from other parts of the library;
- A new entrance directly from the library’s main Washington St. entryway;
- Interior wall hangings, including murals made by teens who use the space; and
- Installation of a monitor and console for gaming and messaging.
To visit the library's website, click here.
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