Enticing Children to Read

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Cat in The Hat, Harry Potter and Paddington the Bear now greet little readers on their way into the McLaughlin Children's Room at the Franklin Lakes Library. 

The new entranceway, part of the finishing touches of the library expansion, was created by Janice Davis Design. Davis has also designed children's rooms for White Plains and Bay Shore-Brighwaters libraries. 

"What's going to entice 2-year-old Emily away from Sesame Street or 12-year-old Tim away from his X-Box? The next generation's appreciation of reading is riding on the answer," Davis wrote in a 2009 article for the Library Journal. "In order to meet the challenge, libraries are taking a page from retail stores and themed restaurants: get them in the door just because it's a cool place to be, and then sell your product. Entice them inside and there the books—and their minds—can begin to open."

The new entranceway, purchased in memory of Joan Van Grouw Holman, was envisioned as part of the library renovation project, but postponed to assess the best use of the space.