Think again.
The library’s Teen Space opened with a party for teens to help put some finishing touches on the space.
There was some work involved — windows had to be cleaned to make sure the clings stuck to them.
But, for the most part, the ‘work’ was just fun.
Teen Services Specialist Amanda Bajdo provided some materials — window clings, stickers, paint, and other decorations — and some tasks — like making it less likely that people would crash into closed glass doors. The teens decided how to go about those tasks.
“Today is all about celebrating you guys, and letting you put your final touches on things,” Bajdo said.
With Warren County School District students off of school for the day, the festivities started with pizza and pop at 2 p.m.
A small group of helpers — teens and adults — gathered to put their touches on the space.
The adults got to work painting book caddies and other things in the Maker Space.
The young people took some pictures, added some color to the white pillars, and made those glass doors more noticeable.
While she was working, Miranda Estes said, “It’s a quiet place to go. My favorite space is this common area — it’s very open and everything’s here.”
She expects her brother to enjoy the gaming area.
Speaking of that area, Joshua McLean pointed to it immediately when asked what his favorite part of the space was. “The PS5 has Fortnite and I’m addicted,” he said.
The rest of the space is good, too. “It’s a good idea,” he said. “It gives a little bit more freedom, but it also turns into a good place to relax.”
While the space was open on Monday, the soft opening is officially Tuesday. “People can come down here” and see what it’s all about, Bajdo said.
Then, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, there will be an Open House with Library Director Kelli Knapp as keynote speaker at 6 p.m. Library officials will recognize the donors, supporters, and volunteers that helped make the space happen and there will be prizes and refreshments.
Having the books intended for teen readers all together in one location is meaningful, but small, part of the changes.
Most of the downstairs space has been developed as Teen Space, but the Maker Space is going to be shared with adults.
The space includes an ironing board and iron – things that are no longer commonplace – for students who need them. There is also a sewing machine and the library will be hosting some programming on how to use it.
“We do have a complete Padcaster system with a green screen for video production,” Bajdo said.
There are also two interchangeable lens digital camera systems in the space.
One of the first scheduled uses of the Maker Space is for adults. “We’ll be making beeswax food wraps,” Reference and Adult Services Department Head Courtney Hoover said. “It can replace single-use plastics.”
That event is part of the library’s March of the Bees program and will be held March 25. Registration is required by visiting the library or www.warrenlibrary.org.
There are lockers full of art supplies. “Patrons can look forward to future programming for adults and teens in this space,” Bajdo said.
“Tomorrow, the Whisper Room will be fully set up by Dan Marino of Chorus Line Media Group,” Bajdo said. The recording studio will be available thereafter and Marino will be doing some instruction on the use of the facility and the equipment it contains.
There is a kitchenette and Bajdo said she hopes to have people who are in the food preparation and nutrition fields do some presentations.
The Teen Space and Maker Space are open during regular library hours — from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.