Trustees direct director to pursue teen room redesign, Demco to provide layout options

The Lakeville Library Board of Trustees voted Sept. 17 to direct the library director to continue planning an update to the teen room, including new paint, seating, shelving and furniture, and to return with a design and cost estimate. Why it matters: trustees said the current teen room feels like storage rather than a dedicated youth space and that an updated layout and furnishings would better serve teens and extend the room’s useful life. Director Jennifer Jones told trustees that youth services staff and teens prefer more immediate-gratification program elements, flexible seating and display space. Jones said Demco, a library furniture vendor, offered design guidance; Demco’s representative will prepare layout options and a price quote. Jones also said Demco’s design services are generally tied to larger purchases but that the company can provide assistance at smaller project sizes. Trustees discussed furnishings under consideration: high-top café tables, booth-style seating, soft seating (sturdy beanbag or rocker-style chairs), a mobile television for gaming, and adding shelving in two alcoves. Jones said removable shelving units could be re-used elsewhere if the layout changes in the future. On funding, trustees discussed possible sources including remaining Chase funds (discussed as available in the meeting) and other gift or state-aid monies. The board asked Jones to develop a “bucket” checklist — a scope, items to remove, replacements, paint choice and a budget — and to return with that plan and vendor quotes. Jones said the work could be ready by early winter or, more likely, by December. At the meeting the trustees voted to direct the director to continue pursuing the update; no spending authorization was approved at this session. What’s next: the director will obtain layout concepts and cost estimates from Demco and other vendors, prepare a prioritized list of changes, and present the proposal to trustees for funding direction and any formal approvals.