The challenge was to quickly create a fully functioning mall library and show success so the county would fund a larger permanent location. The opportunity was to reach customers who didn’t use traditional libraries and to provide a convenient location for a small targeted collection, holds pickup, programs for all ages and partnerships with mall businesses. Customer programming numbers quickly surpassed all 15 other branches. The location provided an opportunity to educate the community about what libraries are in 2019.

Discoveries is a full-service library in an upscale mall. There is a large programming area in the center, a modular customer service desk, a 2,300-item collection (which is carefully curated to customer demand), 12 laptops, Wi-Fi and former dressing rooms converted to staff pods. All staff are librarians and library associates who provide daily programming in English and Spanish. Partnerships with mall businesses include opportunities such as Storytime with a Snack, wellness workshops and programs about dressing professionally.

Discoveries has been open for just over one year. We issued over 900 library cards, welcomed over 70,000 customers from 104 ZIP codes and created partnerships with over 40 businesses. Programming attendance of over 16,000 consistently surpassed established, larger branches. The mall location on the bus line with free parking removes barriers to access. These statistics and advocacy from customers and staff convinced county government to fund a permanent location, including a 10-year lease and nine and a half staff members.