What is this project about?
The County of Prince Edward Public Library’s Picton Branch is in the early construction stages of a long-awaited, community funded expansion. This project, “The library: a place for YOUth”, will add innovative and meaningful youth spaces to the expansion project.
The Picton Branch Library has, for many years, struggled to meet the often-competing needs of youth, families, and adults due to space limitations. For example, the Discover Youth 2SLGBTQ+ group often wait in the hall for the knitting group to finish using the meeting space which can be frustrating for both groups.
This project will enhance youth spaces in the expanded & renovated library with access to technology, friendly library staff and other resources. Youth who spend time in the library are more connected to each other and their community and are exposed to new ideas, books and technology in a rich learning environment.
The project will add:
A Youth Activity Area with kitchenette and theatre risers. This room will be accessible and welcoming to everyone for theatre programs, author visits and other youth engagement programs. The library will offer science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs for youth in this space.
An exterior courtyard garden area which youth will be able to use for quiet study, visiting with friends and to enjoy the green space. Garden beds which can be tended by youth volunteers will be an additional feature of this area. Recognizing that youth often need a quiet space, the project will add a “sensory friendly” area. Inspired by similar projects at other libraries, this will be a place where overwhelmed youth can go to take a break. Useful for people on the autism spectrum, with sensory processing disorder, or anxiety, it will be an enclosed room with a variety of tactile manipulatives, soft seating, and calming lights.
An exterior amphitheatre space will allow for exciting live performances as well as be a performance venue for young musicians. Feeling supported by their community will allow young musical artists to grow and thrive.
Soundproof room – this space will be available for musical recording, podcasting and more. Youth who wish to develop their technological skills through this space will be able to do so at no cost.
A computer lounge will include computers, tables and chairs and an exterior patio. Students need space to work and study with helpful assistance at hand. The library’s community makerspace welcomes creatives and inventors of all ages to use technology and other makerspace tools to innovate, and the expanded lounge will mean there is space for this to happen.
Exterior laneway area – There is a brick laneway in between the Picton Branch Library and next door’s Regent theatre. This space will become a lively market area with murals and sitting areas, with bike racks and lighting. The library piloted a small project in Summer 2020 which welcomed buskers and artists to book the outdoor space, and we were delighted by the enthusiastic young visual and musical artists who took advantage of the opportunity to share their passions with the community while also earning money.
Why is this project important to the community?
Prince Edward County is growing and changing. A popular tourist area with wine, arts, and food, “The County” is evolving. The County Foundation Vital Signs Report describes that “The County is in a period of rapid change, good things are happening but at what cost? Many are feeling a decline in their sense of belonging.” This is especially true for vulnerable youth. Having a safer space outside of home and school is often a key part of teenagers feeling safe and part of the community at large. Joining in after school and weekend programs, discovering technology and innovation, and just having a place to “hang out” at the library are important ways that youth get to participate in community life. Picton is home to Prince Edward County’s only high school, PECI. Students travel from across the area to Picton for high school. The library works closely with the school to share equipment, programs and expertise and PECI is looking forward to having access to the additional space and resources.
The expansion project overall is important to the community. Donors of all ages and backgrounds have given what they can to make the long-awaited project a reality as they recognize the many benefits of public libraries in the community.
