When I enter Mia Cabana’s office, the first thing I notice is a shiny velour octopus in a pile of puppets. Then there’s the pile of unopened wooden toddler puzzles. And, of course: stacks of books, old and new.
It’s a small and cluttered place for the Jones Library’s Head of Youth Services in their temporary location at 101 University Drive, but she and her team are accustomed to working with what they have.
“I think all nonprofits—but especially those that serve children—are known for being able to make something out of nothing. We are proud of that ingenuity, but it doesn’t mean we can apply it to everything,” Mia notes.
At the “old” Jones building, there was a lot to love, but staff were always trying to modify themselves around the space. There were leaks and HVAC problems to contend with. The Children’s Department was separated into two different floors, which meant that staff couldn’t easily be there to help kids and families. Sightlines were non-existent, and many patrons didn’t know there was a second-floor space.
The youth non-fiction section was set in a “fortress-like” section of tall stacks, with the top shelves unreachable for many children. The central part of the former Children’s Room, where most children and families gathered, was small and became crowded on busy days or after special events.
“It will be great when our energy doesn’t have to go to triage all the time,” says Mia.
She and her team are also looking forward to a dedicated Children’s Activity space, at the back of the Children’s Department. Previously, the Woodbury Room was the only event space for community activities—for adults, teens, and children—at the Jones. Some children’s events, like Story and Song Time, would bring in dozens of families per session over the winter and spring. Popular programs required registration to make sure everyone could be safely accommodated, adding an extra layer of advanced planning for families and staff.
“We don’t like having to turn people away due to capacity. Now the kids department will have a dedicated activity space, and we can still use the new Woodbury Room for events up to 200 people,” Mia adds.
When I mention that fellow parents tell me they love to come to the library because of the staff, she responds:
“It’s nice to hear patrons say that they come here because of the staff. We are here because of the patrons. When we are in a facility that feels like it’s comfortable for everyone, it’s going to allow our staff to have a bit of a renaissance. It will allow us to put into practice what we’ve learned in the past couple of decades, working in the community.”
As they wait for the renovated and expanded Jones Library to open its doors in early 2027, they are continuing with their robust program offerings, thematic displays and activities, and their welcoming approach—all in the smaller, temporary space.
At the end of our conversation, Mia reflects, “Every single Western Mass library I’ve worked for has been on the verge of a renovation, and I haven’t been there to see it happen. Until the Jones.”
Join the community of supporters making the new Children's Department a reality.
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The Children’s Department in the renovated and expanded Jones Library will feature:
Children’s Room Q&A
Q: What will the new portion of the Children’s Department look like?
Fresh, spacious, and full of light! Below is an architectural rendering (digital design) of what the newly-constructed portion of the Children’s Department will look like. The restored portions of the old children’s department lie just behind this space (read on to learn more!).
What you don’t see in this picture—and perhaps the most important feature of our library—is the personal touch that our staff has brought to the space for years: themed displays and activities, artwork, and their welcoming presence.
Q: What will the old spaces look like when they are renovated?
The much-loved historic features of the Children’s Department will be preserved, including the original woodwork.
The children’s nonfiction collection will be housed in what was previously the main “play space” and picture-book area. The original fireplace will be restored.
The southeast corner of the children’s room will also be a restored area, and will contain the children’s fiction collection. A reading nook and table will occupy the bay window space, with other window-side reading spaces on the adjacent wall.
Q: Where will the teen space be?
Teens will finally have their own space, and their own Head of Teen Services. The teen space will be located on the second floor of the newer portion of the library on the north side, and will feature: study rooms, a media zone, a makerspace, and the teen books collection. Stay tuned for more info and a rendering of the new Teen Space!
Q: Will the rocking horse still be there?
Yes! Our beloved rocking horse will return to the Children’s Department, after bringing many decades of joy to children (and now their children’s children, and maybe even future grandchildren).
Q: Where will everything be located?
Check out the floor plan below!
More questions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: info@joneslibrarycapitcalcampaign.org
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