“Shush! You’re in a library!” Depending on your age, that familiar shhh, shhh from librarians, accompanied by an index finger pressed to their lips, may evoke memories of what libraries once were — a place dominated by rows of books where you browsed, selected, checked out your book and left — quietly.

But libraries have changed. Today, they are evolving into more open, flexible spaces that cater to diverse community needs. What you can borrow now extends well beyond books. Many libraries have introduced what they call a “library of things,” offering an array of useful, fun, and often unexpected items for checkout.

 Changing to meet community needs 
“Libraries have changed,” confirmed Lisa Lesinski, head of children’s services at the Barrington Public Library. She pointed out that more people are working remotely and need free Wi-Fi access, printing, and flexible places to work.

This demand for modernized library spaces is reflected in data from libraries applying for funding. Kelly Metzger, state data coordinator at the Office of Library and Information Services, noted that the data shows libraries are facing a “space issue” created by older, stacked designs and heavy furniture. She emphasized that the key to remodeling libraries is “opening things up.”

Metzger said libraries are reshaping their spaces based on community needs. She provided the example of a library in Narragansett that added a larger meeting room to accommodate growing demands for community gatherings, as well as a kitchen within that space. 

Kris Chin, the director of Barrington Public Library, echoed Lesinski’s remarks, noting that remote work, video conferences, and meetings have created the need for more flexible spaces. Commenting on the addition of spaces made available for visitors, she confirmed, “These rooms have been wildly successful,” emphasizing that the changes they have made by adding spaces where people can “chat” and connect, is especially important post pandemic.  

She added that the library is striving to be a “community hub,” offering more than just books. “It’s a place, but also a concept for people to live their best lives by using the tools we give them.” She went on to say, “The future is about reaching out into the community and demonstrating our value beyond these walls.” Chin listed some of the unexpected items now available for checkout, including Bluetooth speakers, garment steamers, record players, and even ghost-hunting kits.

Libraries are expanding beyond books 
Rashaa Al-Sasah, head of the youth department at West Warwick Public Library, highlighted the library’s evolving role in public service. “It’s not just about getting books into people’s hands,” she said, adding that libraries are increasingly offering spaces for social services, job interviews, and private meetings, such as Zoom calls for telehealth appointments. “We found creative solutions to create a room within a room without doing construction,” Al-Sasah said.

Two “pods” were added: one for individual use, the other for up to four people. These pods include screens, device plug-ins, cameras, and fans to ensure privacy and comfort. The library also introduced an “Innovation Lab” in 2022, featuring a 3D printer, sewing machines, and equipment for podcasting and crafting. “We aren’t here just to give books out,” Al-Sasah said. “We’re expanding the concept of a traditional library.”

Sara Griffin, youth librarian at Rogers Free Library in Bristol, said the library is building its own “library of things,” including items like ghost-hunting kits, metal detectors, electric drills, and leaf blowers. She hopes the collection will continue to grow over time.

“These new ideas are helping bring the library into the 21st century,” Griffin said. “We were stuck in the past, but these changes reflect the community’s evolving needs,” she added. In addition, movable furniture has become a necessity, and the library’s community room is in high demand, highlighting the growing need for flexible, multi-purpose spaces at your local library.  

The future of the library

While many libraries are introducing self-checkout options, West Warwick is meeting current needs of the community by integrating a food pantry, Barrington is working on a strategic plan for future changes, and Rogers Free Library has ambitions to add a sensory garden. Each library emphasized that community input plays a key role in determining new offerings and shaping their evolving spaces.