By: Dwana Pinchock
The East Shore Area Library is home to a new space for teens that honors a beloved Library volunteer. Family members of Eric Mendlow, a former volunteer who had a great love of movies, had funded a DVD display in his honor. After a number of years of use, the display at East Shore was in desperate need of repair. Library Manager Maria Lagasca contacted Mark and Jane Mendlow, Eric’s parents, who had made the initial donation for the display.
“The Mendlows are avid supporters of The Library, so we asked them if they had any ideas for updating the space,” said Lagasca. With a sizable donation from the Mendlows, as well as financial support from the Friends of East Shore Area Library (FESAL) and other donors, the teen area was born. “With their help, we envisioned a space that would feel welcoming to our young members. We’ve added TVs and gaming systems since these things aren’t affordable for many.”
The renovation project took a lot into consideration. Youth Coordinator Samantha Lowe reached out to members of the teen anime and board games clubs to find out what would make the area more inviting. The teens wanted a fun space of their own where they could be themselves. They advocated for a more colorful space with comfortable seating that could be moved as needed. As a result, the new area has swivel chairs, and desks that can be moved together for group work or separated for more privacy.
The newly arranged area also gives the staff and community an additional option for Library programs and events. Vendors for the Black Makers’ Fair and the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Festival have already made use of the reimagined space. “Modernization was the goal,” said Lagasca. “It’s beautiful here now that the old shelving has been removed. We have a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains and landscape.”
When asked about future plans for the space, the answer was clear. “We want the kids to name the area. We want them to really feel that it’s their place to be. We also want them to know we’re doing this in remembrance of Eric Mendlow, who was special to The Library.”