Renovations to Cotsen library creates new world for children

Cotsen Children's Library — designed as a mystical world tucked away in the corner of Firestone Library — has always aimed to improve children's literacy by making stories come alive and every book an adventure. When the library reopens Oct. 19 after a series of renovations, its staff hopes to expand that mission.

At the discretion of Lloyd Cotsen '50, the library's benefactor, Cotsen's goal has always been to find ways to make reading pleasurable. The staff first tried a more interactive, guided approach by focusing its design on specific books and activities.

Prior to the renovations "Cotsen was kind of like a small children's museum," said Bonnie Bernstein, Cotsen's outreach coordinator. "It was not conducive to repeat visits."

The library previously featured formal exhibits that required a tour. A large structure also divided the room making more elaborate group activities nearly impossible, she said.

To accommodate more informal and educational activities, the designers added an "Alice in Wonderland"-like garden, miniature house and an enormous bonsai tree and expanded performance and workshop space.

The library's new images and structures attempt to excite children's imaginations by playing on scale and perspective — common themes in children's literature.

"We built in flexibility and incorporated free range of the imagination in the new design," Bernstein said.

Building on its new theme, Cotsen will implement such activities as scavenger hunts and storytelling radio.

The Cotsen staff also hopes the renovations will appeal to a more intergenerational audience.

Part of the space — the location of the now removed screen test area — will be used as a workshop for local teacher seminars and arts and crafts.

"No good children's book is written for only children," said Andrea Immel, Cotsen coordinator. "With that in mind, the library will be a delight for both children and adults."

Bernstein developed a concept for the project in December 2001 after Cotsen motivated the library's staff to create a more relaxed classroom setting.

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Moving quickly, the library's administrators selected James Bradberry from several architects for his appreciation for words and images. Bradberry has written several history novels.

Bernstein then chose Straight Line Designs Inc. of Vancouver British Columbia, which specializes in custom furniture designs, to construct the new space.

Since Bernstein joined the Cotsen staff several years ago, community involvement has increased to numbers beyond what the administration thought the library could handle.

"Suddenly, when Bonnie came on board we had to address programmatic concerns," Immel said. "We had to try to design an installation that would stand up to repeat visits."

The library staff heralds the grand reopening in October as a "day of storytelling." Storytelling Arts, a local nonprofit group, will run the storytelling performances under the giant bonsai tree in the new library.