For other suggestions, how about making more reading rooms in the library. Seats are always something that’s lacking in any library. I often see people sitting on the floor. It’d be great to have rooms full of bean bags for more casual reading (and some more rooms with tables for more serious/studious reading). And better cafe than the old library cafe. Go visit some book cafes and see how good book cafes can be, with sofas and cozy environment. There’s so much room for improvement!

Thanks for your comments!

i guess different people see the library differently, some go for the books, some go to use the internet, some go to study etcetc.

similarly, even for the physical collections (books), they are there for all purposes, not only research and traditional spheres of knowledge but also for leisure reading and entertainment.

i guess what I’m trying to say is that 1 library space may be catered to a particular audience, but it doesn’t mean ALL the libraries are going to be that way…

A space for teens may not fit the traditional image of a library, but then again, is this traditional image necessarily the “model” that would best service all the different users?

also, perhaps as the saying goes “a rolling stone gathers no moss” (which can be interpreted in 2 ways, positive and negative), maybe we can also say that a changing library gathers no dust

Of course it is good to make programs that will attract the teens to come to library. But is it the situation that teens come to library because of these programs? I am not sure. I am from old generation. For me I come to library because I love the books. Usually I will select the books, browse a few and sometimes sit a while and read. Mostly will bring back home to read.

However, I don’t like the idea of “modern” library with children running around, parents shouting their children to shut up (more loudly than children). If it is the objective, then it is also a good idea to attract young generations. But don’t call it a library. Call it something like playing ground with brains or some fanciful names. If it is called a “library” please maintain as a traditional sense of “library”.

Some of my friends think reading is a waste of time, but unfortunately I don’t know how to cure that problem. -.- I love reading since years and years ago until I have to be told to stop during and study for my exams. XD A outdoor stage would be a good idea like what Sze Yong suggested. My school’s drama club performed at the library@esplanade a few weeks ago and I think that is good idea. Organizing performances or plays by students is another good idea. The library@esplanade was packed on the performance day with teens which is not a common sight.

Do consider my suggestions. ;]

We r also looking at the concept of “seasons”… eg the rock concerts in 2006 were held on weekdays were there were less people per se.. If we hold noisier events on weekends and it’s a regular thing, firstly Orchard area will be thronging with people and they’ll generate noise anyhow, so the contrast in noise level won’t be tt great and ppl will accept tt it’s just crowded n noisy. Plus ppl who r willing to brave Orchard Road on a Sat aren’t likely to be the sort who r looking for total silence

i remember attending a rock performance at library@orchard. the glass partitions were used, but did not really isolate the sound.

so perhaps an idea would be adopt a “club” concept, ala Zouk or MOS, where there are chill-out rooms for quieter activities (think some libraries have silent reading rooms), and some performance rooms for loud activities (with lots of sound proofing)

but with that concept, you do sacrifice the “walk-in” crowd who happen to pass by the library…

for that, you’ll need an outdoor arena like the old outdoor stage at the esplanade [before it was removed and turned into a grass patch :(]