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When 15 small and rural libraries joined the Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces<\/a> project, they signed on for a journey toward transforming their physical spaces and library services. Their exploration was guided by principles of placemaking, design thinking, and active learning. Along the way, they connected with their communities in refreshing new ways that catalyzed relationships and opened up possibilities.<\/p>\n Transformation is a big, ambitious word, charged with expectation of profound change. It might seem like an oversized challenge for libraries that are defined by small: small town, small building, small budget. But these 15 intrepid libraries, serving populations of 560 to 16,000 people, discovered the key to unlocking true transformation: meaningful connection with the community.<\/p>\n Rather than a more familiar positioning of \u201cthe library as the heart of the community,\u201d each sought to put their community at the heart of the library.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The process starts from the core principle of placemaking: the community is the expert. Placemakers deploy a variety of tools to uncover the needs and aspirations of community members. Whatever tool is used, it\u2019s all about listening to the community\u2014including them in planning, building, and program delivery in the smart spaces.<\/p>\nInvite your community to shape smart spaces. #OCLCnext <\/a><\/span>Share on X<\/a><\/span>\n Each library community that participated in the project is unique; each followed a distinctive path to active learning in a smart space. If you\u2019re looking for a similar transformation, one of these paths might be for you.<\/p>\n For the Cornwall Public Library in Cornwall, New York, the enthusiasm of their advocates to jump in and do the \u201cheavy lifting\u201d was a core part of their success. Once the library identified the underused reference desk area for a conversion, community members stepped up to contribute skills and energy\u2014all pro bono. A local design firm planned the layout and furnishings. An electrician wired the electronics and lights. Two talented teenagers painted a vivid, organic mural on the walls. A carpet layer made a three-hour round-trip commute to install the carpet on a Sunday because \u201c\u2026 libraries have been good to me in my life.\u201d Take away<\/strong>: Don\u2019t be reluctant to ask for help! Your fans will step up. In the words of Library Director Mary Lou Carolan, \u201cThe community helped the space come alive; they fanned the flames.\u201d<\/p>\n The footprint of the Glenns Ferry Public Library in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, was too small for its dynamic Director Jennifer Trail. \u201cI have so many ideas and so little space.\u201d She learned from the community discovery process that her town is full of people who want to be \u201cdoing things.\u201d Now, a former backwater space that housed VHS tapes has been refurbished with new flooring, bright paint, colorful cabinets, and modular tables. It\u2019s a hub of activity where kids and adults spend time together learning and making things. Take away<\/strong>: Physical space comes alive when people are doing things together.<\/p>\n In remote, southwestern Colorado, the Ignacio Community Library is an oasis of community connection. Building on a commitment to be an instrument of change for the community, Library Director Marcia Vining envisioned the transformation of a room that was \u201cbare, inflexible, and cramped.\u201d Library staff prototyped their ideas with scale models and invited library visitors to help shape the space. With bright walls, a word mural, flexible tables, and new storage, the room is now rocking with activity. It hosts entrepreneurship programs, local deejays who coach on using audio equipment, and kids who are teaching other kids. Take away<\/strong>: Pursue your community\u2019s goals to become a hub of continual engagement.<\/p>\n In rural northwest Alabama, Town Creek has been struggling with a declining economy and a pervasive atmosphere of discouragement. Library Director Sharon Green was determined to create space in the library to address community members\u2019 perceived limitations, a space where all ages could find inspiration and hope. Sharon gathered community needs and wishes through a \u201cvocal survey\u201d involving numerous conversations with town residents. She made impressively efficient use of the modest grant funds to revitalize areas of the small library for adults, youth, and children. Their first makerspace is a workbench with STEM toys and projects stored underneath. For this economically depressed community, it is a transformative space for kids who lack STEM classes in school. They are reveling in their space to play and explore. Take away<\/strong>: Creating space for opportunity to flourish brings hope to a community.<\/p>\n The great thing about all these stories is that they can be inspiration and instruction for your library\u2019s \u201csmart space\u201d transformation. You can find more inspiring stories on the WebJunction Transformation Stories<\/a> page or sign up for Crossroads<\/a> for news about Smart Spaces. And learn more about the community discovery process and tools in the Making Space for Active Learning course<\/a>.<\/p>\n What\u2019s next for your library?<\/p>\nInvite the community to participate<\/h2>\n
Look to your fans<\/h6>\n
From passive space to active place<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\nConnect to community goals<\/h6>\n
Space for hope<\/h6>\n
How can you put the community in the heart of your library?<\/h2>\n
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