Many of Memphis Public Libraries’ branches offer life-changing resources to neighborhoods suffering from major disinvestment, but the buildings’ dilapidated, municipal exteriors hinder community interest and ownership. Both library branches selected for the process serve communities that have extremely limited resources outside of what the library offers, but the library branches’ exteriors don’t reflect the neighborhoods’ history, needs or character and residents don’t feel connected or welcomed from the outside of the buildings.

To ensure the creation of an inclusive, collaborative, community-engaged design process for our Library exteriors, we will appoint a community liaison at each branch to co-organize community meetings and focus groups alongside an appointed design lead. We will also distribute surveys, have a kick-off festival and strategically place communications. Community talent will be preferred over outside hiring, and the process will finish with the community’s reaction to multiple ideas for the exterior of each branch.

This project will connect surrounding underserved populations with the resources at their local library branch and highlight the library as a community asset over which the neighborhood has ownership. The incorporation of interactive elements at branch exteriors that reflect the buildings’ unique significance and offerings will contribute to a neighborhood ecology that promotes wellbeing and connectivity. The increased engagement between branches and their residents will also help staff deliver better services to benefit low-income people.