In 2020, shortly before the pandemic began, we opened a Tween Space in the children’s area of the Downtown Library. This dedicated space offers kids ages 7–12 a place to hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, and play.
The Wahl Family Charitable Trust recently awarded the Library a $3,600 grant to support the continued development and enhancement of the space. The grant funded the purchase of a tabletop gaming table, new mobile shelving, and seating for individual and collaborative use within the space.
Children’s Librarian Kate Duneman says the addition of cozy seating and a dedicated gaming table has made the space even more engaging for tweens. “Seeing tweens relaxing and reading books in the new beanbag chairs has been a wonderful sight we’re all enjoying,” she said.
The new gaming table has a recessed surface to help keep dice, cards, puzzle pieces, and other gaming items on the table. Small games, building toys, and puzzles are stocked in a special Tween Space cart alongside other free-to-use materials such as craft and homework supplies.
“We thought a game table would be a great way to expand the amount of activities that can happen in the space, leaving the two existing tables available for arts and crafts or program use and having this new, dedicated table for games and puzzles,” Duneman added.
The table is also great for role-playing games and other tabletop gaming activities. Fun wobble stools were purchased for use with the table for kids who might prefer a more active seating option.
New mobile shelving is also on order and should arrive later this spring. The shelving will provide the opportunity to display more books in the space, and will also create a subtle boundary and cozy, enclosed feel to the space.
The Tween Space at the Downtown Library offers exclusive tween hours. During these times, only tweens are allowed to be in The Tween Space.
- Monday–Thursday: 3–9 PM
- Friday: 1–6 PM
- Weekends and School Break Days: All Day