The recently revitalized library at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) has opened its doors, unveiling a fresh, engaging 29,000-square-foot space that welcomes all university affiliates.
From the metrics that guided the redesign, a notable finding emerged: many students who were also parents or caregivers frequently brought their children with them to the library. This revelation, combined with her own experience as a mother, inspired Outreach and Reference Librarian Meghan Kowalski to lead the development of a dedicated family-friendly area within the library.
“When we started touring the spaces they were remodeling, we identified the perfect place … kind of separate from the rest of the main library. It was by a bathroom, it was by windows, and it was big enough that we could balance all these needs at the same time.” Kowalski says.
A former shared office space, the room was transformed into the newly designed study area Kowalski envisioned, complete with work stations, lounge seating, and materials for children, including toys and a curated selection of books in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.
To keep things accessible, these books and toys are not included in the library’s official collection. “We’re not barcoding these,” says Kowalski. “Because we understand kids fall in love with things and they’re going to take it home, and we want that to be okay. We have plenty of backups waiting to fill the space again.” Community donations, contributions from colleagues, and outgrown items from Kowalski’s own child help to maintain the supply.
Director of the Learning Resources Division Melba Broome, who has been with UDC for 40 years, was an integral part of the library’s continual operation through two relocations before it returned to its refurbished home. “It wasn’t a drastic change, it was a process,” she says.
The renovated library is optimized for functionality, with group and individual study rooms for collaborative projects, online classes, or focused work. Compact shelving preserves essential print materials, and enhanced infrastructure includes ample charging outlets and updated computer stations to more effectively meet users’ needs.
Established in 1851, UDC is the second-oldest historically Black university in the country and the only public university in the nation’s capital. The highly anticipated remodel, part of UDC’s $50 million capital improvement plan, began in 2022.
Other colleges looking to create family-friendly spaces may find UDC’s sustainable approach effective. Kowalski recommends the selection of a spacious, well-lit room near restrooms and the inclusion of flexible features that can be adjusted based on user feedback.
“It’s a lot like a garden,” Kowalski says. “You have to weed out what isn’t being used to give what is working space to flourish.”
