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Mapleton youth lay out people-first vision for future library, urge council to fund design work
Summary
Mapleton Youth City Council members presented a human-centered design process to the City Council, recommending food-friendly spaces, maker and checkout options beyond books, and distinct zones for kids and teens; council staff said professional design firm qualifications are due next week.
Members of the Mapleton Youth City Council presented a multi-step “human-design” process to the Mapleton City Council and urged the council to pursue professional design work for a future library that would be welcoming to all ages.
“We want a place that feels like it’s for us — where food brings people to the same table, where cost is never the reason you can’t participate,” the students said, summarizing their synthesis statement about belonging and recurring experiences. Youth presenters described four themes that emerged from their workshops: food and events to draw people back, library experiences beyond books, expanded checkout items (games and community equipment), and ambience with dedicated zones for children, teens and older adults.
Andrew, one of the student presenters, described a prototype step in which students sketched floor plans and identified opportunities such as a small maker space with a 3D printer and designated kids’ and teen areas. Another presenter said the group prioritized off‑screen activities and a regular rotation of small businesses or food vendors to bring people in on a weekly basis.
Council member Leslie Jones, who facilitated parts of the youth process, praised the students’ work and asked for council direction on next steps. City staff told the council a request for qualifications (SOQ) from professional design firms for Mapleton facilities is due next week and that the SOQ process will include these library concepts in the facilities planning study.
City staff and council members discussed practical next steps. Staff said the SOQ will cover multiple facilities and that the city will consider adapting existing spaces as it evaluates options. One council member suggested hiring a professional designer to translate the youth themes into formal plans and cost estimates.
The presentation concluded with council encouragement to continue engagement; the youth asked that their ideas be considered as part of the next-phase design work.
The council did not take formal action on the library during the meeting; staff noted SOQs are due next week and further council discussion is planned.
