Children’s Room Expansion: Background
New Children’s Addition
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The Need to Expand the Children’s Space
Fourteen years ago, the reference, fiction and non-fiction collections, and our famous Long Island Collection were expanded to provide additional space for the adult population of the library district. No expansion of the children’s collection was undertaken at that time.
The new Children’s Addition, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, in keeping with the existing architecture, inside and out, will complete the 1997 renovation of the Library.
Over the past decade, the demands on libraries have required state-of-the-art technology as well as the need for relevant programming for all ages.The new space will be used for increasing the children’s book collection, expanded reading and other programs for youngsters, a young-teen room, tutoring spaces, age-appropriate computer stations and a state-of-the-art fully handicapped accessible meeting room.
Space for Children to Learn and Grow
Many new library users are children, whose programs need space. We need space for an expanding collection of children’s books — easy readers, picture books, fiction and non-fiction — along with films, music, and other mixed media. We need a suitably sized area where children can blossom and grow.
Computers are an important library resource, exposing youngsters to a expanding and exciting world, much of it needing the supervision and instruction of professional librarians.
As technology advances so does the demand for collections of new research materials, requiring the finest and most up-to-date equipment. We need to provide space for new generations of technology, accessible for everyone in our community.
A Teen Room of Their Own
As children enter the teenage years, their needs change. Many who have outgrown reading materials in the children’s room are not ready for adult books.
They need a place in the library where they feel welcome. Their own room will offer a place for homework, research, computers, and books, where they can work with fellow teens on school projects, free of other distractions.
Nurturing Personal Growth
For generations, the libraries in America have served as the foundation of democracy. As newcomers reached our shores, they looked to our libraries to learn our language and culture. Following in that tradition, East Hampton volunteers tutor dozens of non-English speakers each year at the Library. These devoted Literacy Volunteers need dedicated space for their work.
By offering reading, writing and computer skills classes to newcomers. the Library helps to foster citizenship for those who strive to become productive in our communities.
Fostering Creativity with Program
Reading is just one of the ways libraries foster creativity. Craft programs provide children with a “hands-on” experience that teaches them to be creative by using their hands, eyes and imaginations.
Many of our popular children’s programs are designed to introduce the youngest children to the Library and prepare them for a lifelong connection to reading and libraries.
El Dia de Los Niños and El Dia de los Libros offers a full day of programs for the entire family.
The annual free Children’s Fair brings more than 2,000 children and their parents together to celebrate the joy of reading. Promoting children’s library services helps encourage youngsters to become regular library users and devoted readers.
The beautifully appointed and newly enlarged meeting room will be used by children and adults alike.
A Center of Learning
Small informal talks on the history of the East End are given under the auspices of the world renowned East Hampton Library Long Island Collection.
To celebrate National Poetry Month, we offer a program that includes readings and a local poetry contest in the schools.
Our popular film screenings, book discussion groups, computer classes, author talks, spelling bees for adults and poetry-writers workshops are in great demand and require fully handicapped access.
We need more space for the presentation of these wonderful programs that so enrich our lives and are free of charge for everyone.
A Supportive Community
Generous library friends contribute books and DVDs that overflow our shelves for those popular book sales held on holiday weekends to help raise funds for the Library.
There is no elevator access to the book sale room. Throughout the year, the staff must carry endless cartons of donated books downstairs for the sales. A new elevator will provide full access for the handicapped. Everyone, young or old, can take part in every program.