Libraries in Motion: Evolving Spaces for Community Well-Being

Course: Design Innovation & Society Studio B

Duration: November 21st - December 9th 2024

Software Used: Figma, Photoshop, illustrator

Introduction:

Libraries have long served as spaces for the transfer of knowledge, access to resources, and hubs of community connection. During this three-week design sprint, we explored the fluidity of libraries, examining our social and emotional relationships with these spaces. Our work focused on rethinking how we engage with and utilize libraries, envisioning new possibilities for their evolving role in our communities.

Through this project we will explore:

Contextualizing the library and us
How do we exist within the library system & how does the library opperate today?

Discovering harm reduction
What methods of harm reduction already exist within the library currently & are there opportuntities to introduce more?

How can we grow?
How do we create a space that can grow with the needs of the community and think in a fluid manner?

Analysis of a changing library

The library has a long history as a powerful and coveted space, initially serving the religious and political elite as a repository for exclusive resources. During the Enlightenment, it transitioned into a more public institution, with Benjamin Franklin establishing the first public library in Philadelphia. Over time, libraries expanded their offerings beyond books to include new media like DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, and records.

As we entered the digital age, libraries evolved further, providing access to computers, the internet, and eventually e-books and digital libraries. Their adaptability didn’t stop there—libraries began lending everything from Wi-Fi hotspots to snowshoes and cake pans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries played a vital role in distributing tests and Wi-Fi hotspots, particularly in rural areas. Today, this adaptability continues with libraries embracing harm reduction resources such as Narcan, sharps containers, and fentanyl test strips.

Reflecting on this remarkable fluidity, we examined how the public has historically embraced these shifts. Unlike many public institutions, libraries have been uniquely positioned to adopt new technologies and resources with little resistance. This widespread acceptance of innovation is fascinating—how many other public spaces are allowed such freedom to evolve?

As we consider the library’s role as an adaptable institution, we ask: how can we plan for its next evolution? What will the next chapter of the library’s story look like?

Our changing times: Loss of third space

In our increasingly internet-connected and globalized world, we are paradoxically experiencing a profound rise in social alienation. People are meeting less often, forming fewer friendships, spending less time with loved ones, and experiencing a decline in the quality of their connections. Sociologists often attribute this growing disconnection to the loss of "third spaces"—public or communal areas that exist outside the realms of home and work. These spaces, such as parks, cafés, and libraries, have historically served as vital hubs for casual interaction and community building, and their absence is leaving a noticeable void in our social fabric.

As we delved into this problem space, our focus centered on the intersection of community, public health, and the role of connection and engagement. Through our literature review, we explored Public Things by Bonnie Honig, where she compellingly argues that the loss of shared spaces and other "public things" contributes to greater atomization, decreased social stability, and heightened political polarization.

Honig's work highlights how the erosion of these communal assets not only weakens social bonds but also undermines the foundation of collective engagement, leaving communities more fragmented and vulnerable to division. This perspective informed our understanding of the critical role public spaces play in fostering community resilience and well-being.

How are we approaching this design?

Phenomenological Thinking

Human-Centered Design Thinking

Embodied Cognition

Contextual Systems Thinking

Reflective Practice

When designing for a public space, we sought to be deeply intentional in how we considered and understood the individuals who would interact with it. By grounding our approach in Phenomenological Thinking, Human-Centered Design Thinking, Embodied Cognition, Contextual Systems Thinking, and Reflective Practice, we aimed to create a design process that honors the complexity of human experiences.

A Multifaceted Approach

Recognizing and validating the unique experiences, diverse backgrounds, and layered identities of individuals was central to our process. We sought to create a space where these experiences are not only acknowledged but actively supported. Our goal was to foster an environment that feels inclusive, empowering, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Integrating Sociology into Design

To achieve this, we drew heavily on sociological perspectives to inform our understanding of how people interact with public spaces. This allowed us to address the interplay between individual experiences and broader social systems, ensuring that our design was both deeply empathetic and contextually relevant. Through this intentional and multidisciplinary approach, we worked to create a space that celebrates the diversity and experiential identities of all who enter.

How can we create a space that supports the many dimensions of the users?

As we explored harm reduction practices, we sought to understand how these practices are inherently community-driven and public in nature. Our research led us to Shira Hassan’s Saving Our Own Lives: A Liberatory Practice of Harm Reduction. In this book, Hassan creates a framework for readers to engage with the contextual space of the text, fostering growth and collective care throughout the process.

This approach profoundly influenced how we engaged with the book and its lessons. It reshaped our understanding of harm reduction as not just a set of practices but as a way of building supportive, intentional frameworks for collective well-being. Inspired by this, we recognized the importance of integrating similar principles into our design process.

By applying these harm reduction principles, we aimed to create a space that invites public acceptance and fosters a sense of collective care and health. This framework guided our efforts to design a space that is not only functional but also rooted in the values of inclusion, safety, and community empowerment.

From Individual to Collective Harm Reduction

As we began integrating harm reduction into this space, we shifted our perspective from the traditional, medical, and individual-focused model to a broader framework centered on collective public wellness and care. This reimagined approach recognizes harm reduction as not only addressing individual needs but also fostering community resilience, mutual support, and shared well-being. By situating harm reduction within a collective context, we aimed to create a space that promotes public health through inclusivity, connection, and accessibility.

Shifting the focus to collective well-being:
Addressing Systemic Issues
Encouraging Community Collaboration
Reducing Barriers
Creating a space for healing
Radical hospitality

Troy Public Library as a Case Study

For this project, we were deeply interested in the practical application of the theories and research we explored. To bring these ideas to life, we turned our attention to the beloved Troy Public Library in Troy, NY, using it as the foundation for our practicum. This space provided the perfect context to explore how harm reduction, community care, and public wellness frameworks could be integrated into a real-world setting, shaping a library that evolves with and for its community.

Design Research:
Ethnographic Visit to Troy Public Library

To deepen our understanding of the Troy Public Library and its role in the community, we conducted an ethnographic research visit. This immersive approach allowed us to observe and analyze:

Who Uses the Library:
We observed the library’s patrons to understand the diverse groups that frequent the space, identifying their behaviors, needs, and interactions within the library environment.

Social Hierarchies Within the Space:
Through our visit, we explored the implicit and explicit social dynamics at play, noting how different groups interact and navigate the library.

Infrastructure—Visible and Invisible:
We examined both the physical and less apparent systems shaping the library experience. This included the design and layout of the space, accessibility features, and the underlying structures that support the library's operations.

Existing Harm Reduction Practices:
By engaging with staff and observing available resources, we identified how the library already incorporates harm reduction tactics. This included programs, materials, and strategies aimed at supporting the health and well-being of its patrons.

Through this ethnographic visit, we gained valuable insights into the lived experiences of those who use the library, the systems that shape those experiences, and the opportunities to expand harm reduction and community care within this vital public space.

Second Floor Public Room.

Resources.

Puzzle for anyone to work on.

Free take/leave coupons.

Top: Outdoor Patio Btm: Bookshelves.

Design Research: User Interview

Christiann Gabeau

Head of Adult Services & Former Interim Library Director

“This space wasn’t meant for people like you and me. It was designed for a time and place that doesn't exist anymore.”

“When asking people what they want from the library they always say more books and more hours. This isn’t helpful. Instead you ask “Where do I see my community and and in the future?”

“Finding the gaps in services and resources for the community is our objective and these solutions need to reflect the communities needs”

“However we accomplish this it’s essential we are not battling the building or current infrastructure ... we need spaces that are mobile and flexible”

After our ethnographic visit, we had the privilege of speaking with Christiann Gabeau for nearly two hours, delving into her experiences in libraries and library leadership. Through our conversation, it became evident that the greatest challenge facing the Troy Public Library lies in its physical infrastructure. Christiann highlighted a critical question that constantly informs their work: How do we create a truly public space in a building that was never designed for public use? Even seemingly simple activities, such as conversations, are complicated by the building's acoustics.

Our discussion also touched on the library’s current harm reduction efforts, which Christiann was excited to share. Staff members are trained in Narcan, and plans are underway to install sharps containers both inside and outside the library—an initiative she proudly supported. Additionally, a new HVAC system is being installed to enhance the library's safety and comfort. These insights underscored that harm reduction is not just accepted but actively embraced by librarians and libraries alike.

We also explored the infrastructure in place for gathering community input. Christiann detailed the existing systems, such as informal recommendations through direct conversations with librarians, formal book requests or reconsideration processes, and an annual community survey available via email or paper. While these are effective tools, we noticed a gap in opportunities for program-specific feedback or suggestions, which could further enhance community engagement.

Finally, we discussed the challenges of designing spaces for public use within the constraints of the existing building. Christiann mentioned the heavy oak tables, which require multiple librarians to move—a prime example of the inflexible infrastructure they contend with. She emphasized the importance of any new design being not only community-oriented but also adaptable to the current space in a flexible and dynamic way.

This rich conversation provided invaluable insights, shaping our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in designing for a space like the Troy Public Library.

After our conversation with Christiann, it became clear that the most effective solution to the challenges faced by the Troy Public Library would be a new library, purposefully designed to prioritize and facilitate flexible community engagement.

Since building a new library is not currently an option for the Troy Public Library, we recognized the importance of rethinking how the existing space is used and how people interact with it. Our focus shifted to equipping the library with the tools necessary to gather community insights and create spaces that are truly centered around the needs and aspirations of its users. This became our new mission.

Establish Designated Community Centered Spaces within the Current Library

Reflecting on the resources, programs, and roles the library plays in our community, we considered how it could better meet the community’s needs in a manner that is both community-driven and compatible with its current infrastructure. To address this, we propose dedicating the library’s two front-facing rooms as a Community Flex Space.

Key Features of the Community Flex Space:

Flexible Anchor Furniture: Modular and mobile furniture that can adapt to various uses, ensuring the space remains versatile and functional.
Ambient Harm Reduction: Accessible resources such as Narcan and fentanyl test strips integrated discreetly into the space to support community wellness.
Take-and-Leave Exchange: A space for sharing items like seeds, clothing, zines, and other small, community-oriented resources.
Community Resource Hub: A central area for connecting patrons with vital information, local services, and opportunities for engagement.

Community-Driven Pop-Up Uses

This space would also operate as a community-driven pop-up hub, evolving based on feedback and insights from the community. Potential applications include:

Cooling Rooms in Summer: Offering a comfortable space for relief during hot months.
Public Kitchens in Fall and Winter: Providing a space for shared meals, cooking workshops, or food-related community events.

How can a library grow with the community?

Let the community lead the library.

When developing a strategy to gather insights and feedback from the community, we focused on creating a tactile, visual, and engaging process that fosters collective thinking and a sense of community. The result was a participatory approach centered around a physical feedback space using familiar poster board methods that invite interaction and creativity.

Key Components of the Feedback Strategy:

Tactile and Visual Templates:
- We designed templates with the visual identity of the proposed flex space rooms, featuring prompts to inspire community input.
- Prompts encourage participants to share their ideas for resources, programs, and features through collages, words, drawings, QR codes, and other creative mediums.
Accessible and Interactive Display:
- These templates would be displayed on poster boards located in the library’s main reception hub, a central and accessible location for all visitors.
- Community members could vote, provide insights, or discuss the templates, enabling dialogue about how they envision their library evolving.
Dynamic Feedback Prompts:
- Additional prompts would be available for patrons to fill out and add to the boards, ensuring ongoing and spontaneous input from a diverse range of voices.
Living Artifact of Engagement:
- This feedback board would serve not only as a tool for gathering insights but also as a living artifact of community engagement.
- It would visually document collective thinking and highlight the evolving relationship between the community and the library.

This strategy ensures the feedback process is inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the community’s voice, while also building a shared sense of ownership and connection to the library’s transformation.

Participatory Feedback Devices:

Expansion to other “Public” Third Spaces

Designing this framework for the Troy Public Library revealed its potential adaptability to other “public” spaces, offering a blueprint for expanding resources and fostering community engagement. This realization prompted us to rethink our relationships with places like coffee shops, bus stops, schools, and post offices. By embracing the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of their users, these spaces can become even more integral to the well-being of their communities, redefining what it means to belong in a shared public environment.