WILLIAMSBURG — An interactive new teen space is coming to Williamsburg Regional Library thanks to $20,000 in grant funding from the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation (Friends).
The new space will be located in the James City County Library branch. The model for the space is the successful Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio in the same building and will be the first of its kind in the regional system. It will feature fun tech including virtual reality headsets, Nintendo Switches, and an arcade game table; a collaborative workspace; a magnetic poetry wall; board games and crafts; and comfortable study and lounge seating.
“Creating exciting relevant community spaces with a variety of learning experiences, collections, and opportunities for social connection for all ages is a priority for WRL,” said Library Director Betsy Fowler. “The Friends allow the library to dream big and turn these dreams into reality with their generous support.”
The Friends’ mission is to support the Williamsburg Regional Library through
fundraising and advocacy to ensure excellence in library collections, programs and services, a mission it executes through regular grant giving throughout the year. The Friends have distributed more than $758,974 since 2017 (not including funds for the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio) to support the library, and much more since its inception in 1964.
“The Friends are committed to supporting our library system by providing funding each year for innovative library projects that benefit our community,” said Friends Board President Sam Sadler. “Creating a teen room is one of the projects we elected to fund in this grant cycle because teens need a space that feels like their own where they can work, collaborate, and relax in a safe, nurturing environment. We are glad to help provide this for them.”
For more information about the Williamsburg Regional Library check out its website. The Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library has its own website with additional information about the organization and how to help.
