DeKALB — On Wednesday, the Founders Memorial Library hosted the grand opening of the family and children’s space.
The idea for the space was created and put together by subject specialist librarian DeeAnna Phares, alongside education and social sciences librarian Alissa Droog.
Dean of Libraries Fred Barnhart described how their plan was a key factor in the making of this space.
“Previously, the children’s collection was all on the fourth floor together in one space, which is also the quiet floor so it wasn’t convenient for what we saw students wanting to use it for,” Barnhart said. “We talked over the years about ways we could make this a better location until Alissa and DeeAnna came to us with a full plan.”
Their vision was to provide a child-friendly space that students and staff could bring their children to. DeKalb resident Jessica Cima offered a perspective as the spouse of an NIU faculty member.
“We’re raising two kids in and around campus, so it’s going to be really nice for us to have a space where we can come together as a family and enjoy breaks and time together,” Cima said.
The space on the first floor has several displays of colorful children’s literature, including a multicolored reading rug and shelves easily accessible to children. The shelves housed literature ranging from children’s picture books to young adult novels.
The space serves as a way for anyone to enjoy children’s literature on campus.
“Many people have kids and many people just enjoy children’s literature, so we want to make sure that there are spaces on campus where people can study but still attend to their duties when it comes to family,” Phares said.
Droog described the bigger impact that providing spaces like this has on the perception of future generations.
“It’s important that we’re exposing our children to reading at home, school and many spaces. Reading is how we learn about the world. It’s a great way throughout your life to be able to attain knowledge and learn about different things,” Droog said.
According to Droog, NIU raised roughly $5,000 in donations to be able to fund the space from various donors. While most of the money was saved through repurposing unused furniture on the fourth floor, moving costs and furniture were also paid for with this funding, along with other miscellaneous expenses such as signage and displays.
The children’s space is available for free reservation for students and staff to utilize during normal library operating hours. Email Phares or Droog for questions regarding reservations or details.
