Public Space - Kilton Public Library

When building new towns or cities, or altering them, many underestimate the power public space has over the social and economic characteristics of a community. The Kilton Public Library is an important factor in the well-being of Lebanon, NH, for it supplies free access to education and other resources to the citizens of Lebanon. The Kilton Library must be a space where people would like to spend their time in order to preserve the positive effects the library has on the community. Design is a crucial element in the creation of a enjoyable public space, as well as an understanding of the community itself.

When observing whether the outdoor seating area at the Kilton Library fulfills the requirements of a pleasant public space, it is important to look at the design aspects of

the space.

For example, the area has a significant level of shade and numerous places to sit, which makes it look inviting to the outside. The way in which the path is lined with greenery and tucked behind the library, makes the space seem private, which is often a contradictory, yet desirable detail in a public space. The trees beautifully bend over the benches and walkway, as if to protect the visitors from the outside world. The splashes of color from the planted flowers in the majority of green vegetation, makes the seating area a more tempting place to stop.

The areas of shade and sun, can appeal to any visitor's preferences, and there are both stone and wooden benches which add variety to the space, yet also keep the area cohesive, with a spot for stone benches and one for wooden benches. While walking through the public space, there is a smooth transition from one part of the space to the other by the way the path bends and the plants surround the space.

The lawn between the parking lot and the public space, is an important barrier that again makes the area more desirable to spend time in by making it more private and separate from the cars on the street. The lawn also makes a safe place for children to run around while parents can relax in the seating area. The wooden structures are also kid-friendly and serve as a mini playground, making this outdoor space accessible for all ages.

With all of these great design details of an appealing public space, I kept wondering why no one was sitting in this outdoor seating area. All of the times that I have visited the Kilton Public Library, very few people have taken advantage of the space. The Kilton Library has come a long way from when it first opened in 2010. The outdoor space was initially too sunny and barren to feel comfortable to its visitors. Since then, more planting and additional seating has greatly improved the design of the public space.

Courtyard of the Kilton Public Library

However, it seems something is still missing in this space, that prevents people from wanting to spend time in it. This is where the consideration of the surrounding community plays an important part in making a public space that is used by many. West Lebanon, where the library is located, is not a very walkable place. The commercialization of West Lebanon, has left this section of town unpleasant to walk around in. While the Kilton Library may be centrally located, the extensive amount of car use pollutes the area. The Kilton Library has done a lot in an attempt to attract the local community to its enjoyable public space, such as start a community garden and conduct many community outreach activities, but still few spend time there. Unfortunately, the lack of people visiting the space is a greater urban design issue of West Lebanon. The attempt to preserve this historic district is preventing positive community growth.

A lot can be done to improve the surrounding area, by at least adding small community park spaces that would make the area more pleasant to inhabit. Artwork or even well-placed benches can increase the sociability and attractiveness of West Lebanon to community members. While the accessible transit system and recent improvements to the city have increased pedestrian access to community resources, much can still be done to continue to progress West Lebanon to a healthy and inviting town. Artistically-minded places like the Kilton Public Library are the key to a pleasant living environment, that are sure to provide long-term growth.