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ZONING YOUR SPACE FOR KIDS
AGE 0 TO 12 |
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Kim Bolan Cullin, Principal Consultant of Kimberly Bolan & Associates
Angie Schoeneck, Product Development Manager, Demco, Inc.
Over the past ten years, planning and designing children’s libraries has shifted from
being book-centric to multidimensional spaces that include imaginative play areas,
guided explorations, gaming zones and media centers with a variety of technologies.
Dynamic age-appropriate spaces draw kids in and back again
Thriving 21st century libraries understand it is an age of rapid change, and that
remaining relevant is an expectation of your users. Offering spaces, services, programs and activities to engage 0- to 12-year-olds and their parents is critical to your success. Zoning your space is one way to accommodate the diverse ages, academic levels, social skills, personal interests and physical needs.
| Early Literacy: Birth to Age 4 |
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The emphasis for this age group is early literacy skills and parent/child resources. A print-rich environment is critical, but so is one that encourages interactive play, exploration and discovery. Play time is thinking time for children.
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| Youth: Ages 5 to 8 |
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For many five-year olds, kindergarten may
be their first exposure to a school environment.
Some will be learning their letters and numbers,
while others are already eager readers. Libraries play an important role in bringing the joy of reading and learning to kids.
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| Preteen: Ages 9 to 12 |
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This age is sometimes referred to as middle
childhood, tween or the pre-teen years. It’s the
time between childhood and young adulthood
and is one of rapid change — physical, emotional and social. This is also a time of self-guided discovery, independence, added responsibility and new experiences. It is important they have places where they feel they belong, so age-up your space to keep them coming into the library.
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Find ideas and inspiration for creating zoned children’s spaces
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Volume 1, Issue 6
October 2012
Over the next several months,
Demco will be bringing you
ideas for re-energizing your
library and making your patrons
take notice. We are learning
every day from customers who
share many of your same
challenges and concerns. With
a broad range of topics from
planning spaces to encourag-
ing innovation to securing your
materials, we hope to provide
ideas to make your days easier.
We would love your feedback
on additional topics that you
would find helpful.
For choices similar to what you see in this article.
Can’t find what you need? Let
us help you refresh your space!
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