EverySpace Aims
- A co-managed space at March Library that enables the community to connect, share, create and discover.
- A flexible and adaptable space that has the potential to transform and expand library uses and programming.
- A space that can help facilitate digital inclusion by allowing people to learn and develop digital skills in technology and media.
- An accessible and inclusive space that will allow more people and community groups to participate in and deliver programming and become active users of the library.
Stakeholder, Partner and Young People Workshops
We conducted 2 young people workshops and 14 interviews with project partners and stakeholders to build a picture of the potential programming and uses of EverySpace, as well as learning how the existing libraries and spaces are used. These interviews included:
- Library Development Team,
- Cambridge Central and March Library Staff,
- The Library Presents,
- Cambs Youth Panel,
- Early Help,
- Cambridgeshire Skills,
- 20Twenty Productions,
- Business and Intellectual Property Centre,
- Fenland + Young Fenland Cultural Consortium,
- Health Information Team,
- Think Communities.
Quotes from the stakeholder and partner interviews (included in the image):
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"Taster sessions remain tasters, unless there is something following them. We need to develop longer term programming." The Fenland Consortium
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"The perfect solution would be something that can allow events and workshops programming during library hours." The Library Presents
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"We would love if young people could say "wow!" as they walk into the space, and become instantly inspired." 20Twenty Productions
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"March is a brilliant daytime space, but there is a challenge in creating the correct sound, space and atmospheres to inspire creativity." The Fenland Consortium
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"The space is set up in an outdated way... We need to bring people together for learning, with new technology such as tablets or devices." Cambridgeshire Skills
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"We would do better with comfortable furniture... we sometimes have 20 people having coffee but nowhere to put their cups!" March Library Staff
Proposals
Floor plans
In the EverySpace area you can see railings for acoustic curtains, which can partition the space, two pivoting walls, a row of mobile enclosures, and several mobile benches forming a sitting area.
On the left, where Everyspace occupies one end of the library, a lecture scenario is shown set up.
On the right, Everyspace occupies a smaller space, with walls on three sides and open on one side. It accommodates some mobile elements including a small podcast area and a mobile tea point with sink.
Mobile furniture menu
Image shows:
- A drawing of a foldable “pivoting wall”, which can be closed to open up the space, and a photo of one in use at Fore Street Library in London. The image shows a woman closing a bay of shelving to create an open space.
- A drawing of a set of acoustic curtains, and a photo of a green pair in use at Médiathèque L’Alpha, where they create an enclosed space.
- A drawing of a mobile workstation, and a photo of one at Fore Street Library in London. The image shows a desk on wheels, a computer chair, and a PC connected to power and data hanging from the ceiling.
Image shows:
- A drawing of a mobile enclosure, and a photo of two children sitting in one. The wooden unit can be closed and tucked away, but when open it creates two comfortable cushioned alcoves.
- A drawing of a mobile tea point and a photo of one, with a sink, two taps, wipeable surfaces and drawers.
- A drawing of mobile benches and a photo of a set in use at the Suhrkamp Verlag Offices. The wooden base doubles as a bookshelf and two people are sitting on the blue cushions on top, while a third person stands by the windows in the background.
Scenarios
Scenario 1
- There is nothing currently programmed in EverySpace. The space is being used as a neutral space where people can informally study, read, relax or gather.
- The store room remains locked and only accessed when booked or through programmed activities.
A larger partition includes tables, chairs, and mobile benches, and a smaller area features more seating and access to a mobile tea point.
Scenario 2
This scenario shows EverySpace being simultaneously used for two simultaneous events.
- The 20Twenty Productions Leaders and Thinkers Programme run a workshop on robotics for 24 young people.
- March Libraries regular Scrabble Group meet to play Scrabble in the smaller intimate space with access to tea and coffee.
The more detailed layout shows that the workshop area features four tables and chairs, plus a circle of mobile benches for group activities, while the scrabble group area also features a circle of benches and access to the mobile tea point.
Scenario 3
- The Library Presents or 20Twenty run a live performance, outside library opening hours, for 40 people. A performance foyer with refreshments is provided for the audience to retreat to before, during or after the performance.
The more detailed layout shows a performance green room with seating, an events foyer area, and a larger partitioned performance area where rows of chairs face a stage.
Scenario 4
This scenario shows the EverySpace in simultaneous use for rhymetime and for a weekly craft group meeting.
- The Children’s Library is being used for another event, so Rhyme Time is taking place in EverySpace with plenty of run around space.
- The weekly Craft Group of 14 people meet on Tuesday. They make themselves tea and coffee and clean up using the sink station.
The larger rhymetime space, highlighted in blue in the bottom image, includes a semi-circle of chairs and some mobile benches on the back of the room. The area is partitioned with acoustic curtains. The craft group area, highlighted in yellow, has two tables surrounded by four chairs each. The two areas share a space near the entrance where there are additional mobile benches and access to the tea point and sink.
Equipment and digital uses
