The Edge Opens at WPPL
The new teen area at White Plains Public Library, called The Edge, officially opened Saturday, Dec. 14, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The newly renovated area is the first phase of a three-phase project to update the library based on a multi-year master plan funded by the City and the White Plains Library Foundation.
The Edge is a groundbreaking high-tech library with a digital media lab, mixing area and living room set aside just for use by teens in a 2,000 square foot space. In the media lab teens will be able to use digital media equipment and collaborate with friends on projects. When the students are in school, adult computer classes will be offered.
The mixing area will provide computer work stations and study areas for individual and group work, and the living room is intended to be a casual space for watching videos, playing games and attending programs and performances. A scheduling board is regularly updated to keep teens informed about upcoming events.
In constructing the new area, the library lobby was reconfigured and self-check equipment was installed in a streamlined customer service area. HVAC and lighting work were also done.
Bermello, Ajamil & Partners were the architects with general contractor Foremost Development, LLC. The White Plains Department of Public Works managed the project.
The total project cost for Phase 1 was $1,616,000. The City of White Plains issued serial bonds in the amount of $1,136,00. The White Plains Library Foundation raised a further $400,000. A New York State Library Construction grant provided the final $80,000.
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Library Director Brian Kenney, Library Board President Paul Schwarz, and Foundation President Nick Wolff, expressed their excitement about the new teen library, which will be open seven days a week.
Alex London, author of the very popular teen novel “Proxy” gave a keynote presentation. He spoke about the importance of teen education in a digital tech world. In his novel, which has been compared to “The Hunger Games,” London writes: “You either create the software or you are the software,” indicating the importance of not only knowing your way around in a digital world, but also being a master of it.
London signed copies of his book after the ribbon cutting, swamped by teen fans that were eager to meet the popular author.
