Carson City Knowledge + Discovery Center

New Library Tools

Expanded meeting space for 21st century needs is central to reinvigoration of the capital city. The Knowledge + Discovery Center will have ample spaces to accommodate in-person and online meetings as well as distance learning. The KDC will also be open significantly more hours than typical local, state and federal government workplaces.

A digital media lab will support all learners seeking 21st century careers and opportunities. Patrons will have the tools to become makers and creators of content, rather than just consumers of it. Special emphasis in games-based learning, development and prototyping will be reflected in collaborative areas and special technology. Lab assistants will be able to collaborate with classroom teachers to design learning activities and teaching aids. Overall, the lab will foster innovation, allowing teachers, instructors and students of all ages access to digital tools not readily available to them.

Nearly one quarter of library patrons are teenagers, visiting libraries to socialize, do homework, learn job and social skills and use the Internet. These are challenging times for the youth of our city – job prospects are poor and future jobs will require 21st century skills. Library-based youth programs can play a critical role in job preparation, so integrated into the design of the teen center are spaces and tools for digital projects, collaborative study rooms and a homework completion area.

Key to improving the existing space and services for young children is the creation of a separate storytelling room in the children’s center. This room will be designed specifically for storytelling and will adjoin an exterior children’s garden, creating expanded seasonal programming for children. Additionally, a discovery and exploratorium area encourages family play and inspires individual creativity and wonder.

The grand lobby entrance off the plaza will welcome all users with its soaring space, impressive staircase and virtual aquarium. Additional warm, inviting areas for public gatherings are woven into the design of the entire building to include ample areas for art exhibits and events. With plenty of nearby parking, the library’s 180-seat auditorium will also be easily accessible. The auditorium’s immediate adjacency to a roof garden with spectacular views, will make this area a prime place for public events. Collaborative classrooms and workspaces add to the multi-purpose aspects of the building.

Collaborative classrooms and workspaces add to the multi-purpose aspects of the building. The Knowledge + Discovery Center will continue a commitment to the future of Carson City by investing in resources that support and grow business in the region. The recently opened Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) has already demonstrated that highly skilled information specialists (librarians) can offer help to business. In the business center, staff will be able to build on the strong foundation of cutting-edge research tools like patent and trademark assistance and access to intellectual property.

Sustainability. The building’s technology infrastructure is designed to be flexible and function as an information portal to the universe of knowledge beyond its walls. Furnishings and fixtures will be configurable and sustainable. Heating, cooling, water systems, and lighting will follow recent resource-saving guidelines.

The design is both green and smart with an awareness of energy use and long term sustainability. With the latest service concepts in mind, architects will put a forward thinking spin on the relationship between form and function and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification guidelines will guide many of the design decisions.

NEW LIBRARY TOOLS

Library business incubation “toolbox” services include:

Professional development

Strategic advise

Financing referrals

Marketing and public relations support

Mentoring

Turnkey meeting spaces

Links between businesses, education and government

The business toolbox at KDC includes access to librarian services that can guide patrons to everything from business-focused books and audiovisual materials to business research and market-demand databases. The toolbox will also offer counseling, mentoring, seminars, networking, and self-study programs. Additionally, the library provides access to public computers, a copy and fax center and meeting spaces at no cost. These services, combined with city licensing, permitting, planning and regulation entities located close to the library space, create real-time, progress-driven outcomes that help business succeed.

Libraries are trusted places of learning and information, so to marry these tools within close proximity to local government regulatory functions is not only unique and proactive, but also fiscally responsible. Integrated within the KDC, incubation assistance will also be provided to companies involved in many technical areas. Special emphasis will be placed on businesses focusing on digital media and telecommunication. These cutting-edge business sectors comprise significant areas of growth potential for the region. The City Center Project therefore seeks client partners who are sensitive to the value and growth potential of the digital media industry.

The Carson City Knowledge + Discovery Center (KDC) is designed as a 65,000-square-foot building that triples the space of the current library. The most needed element of the new space is room – room to have more materials, room for all ages of children, room for computers and other cutting edge technology tools, and room to serve the business community with specialized resources and meeting places. The building will be fronted with a year-round, interactive plaza aimed at making the city’s historic downtown a destination. Sidewalk treatments, way-finding signage, lighting, landscaping and activity will be a focal point for locals, visitors and businesses.

900 North Roop Street, Carson City, NV 89701 | email: info@carsoncitykdc.org | call: (775) 315-0493