Medfield Teen's 'Chillax' Concept Wins Library Space Redesign Contest

Teens at the Medfield Public Library will soon be able to “Chillax” in a space all to their own thanks to the winning design of Morgan LaPlante.

 In a teen’s vernacular, “Chillax” is a combination of “chill” and “relax.”

 LaPlante’s design was one of six proposals submitted in the library’s Teen Space Design contest last month.

 “My first thought was for the space to be really flexible and I wanted it to hold a number of people for different reasons,” said LaPlante, 14.  “I like to read but I know a lot of kids like to hang out at the library.” 

 LaPlante spends a lot of time at the library reading, volunteering with the staff and as a member of the teen advisory group, and playing the piano on Friday afternoons.  Soon, she will be able to “chillax” in a space she designed specifically for Medfield teens.

 LaPlante’s design includes two brown sofas, a green ottoman, and various wall decorations that coordinate well with the library’s deep-red-colored shelving.  The focal point of the space is a photograph of a rope bridge leading into the mist that the designer saw at IKEA.

 “I really wanted that picture to kind of make it feel like you’re not underground,” said LaPlante, referring to the space located on the lower level of the library.   

 “One of the most striking things about the design was the choice of artwork for the wall,” said Teen Services Librarian Jennifer Forgit.  “The depth in the photo will make the room feel bigger, and that was something everyone agreed should be used in the final design.”

 “They were all fantastic,” said Forgit of the six submitted designs, noting there were a few things that all entries had in common.  “All incorporated bright wall color and modern style furniture. Each of the entries also showed a great attention to detail, and included items such as lamps, coat racks, and artwork. I am very excited to move forward with the project now that I have a stronger sense of what teens in the community would like to see in these spaces.”

 “I was thrilled, I was really excited,” said LaPlante of having the winning design.  “A lot of time and thought and energy went into it, so I was really happy that I had something to show for it; I was relieved.” 

 Forgit is now working on an itemized budget and funding sources to implement the design.   

 Anyone interested in being part of the final round of focus groups, or volunteering to help implement the design, can contact Forgit at jforgit@minlib.net or (508) 359-4544.