A Space for Young Readers

At the Decatur Branch Library, part of the Indianapolis Public Library, the children’s area has long served as a place for learning, reading, and early discovery. As the branch’s youth population continued to grow, the space remained active and well-used.

When “Working” Isn’t Enough

While functional, the space was no longer fully supporting how children learn and engage today. The opportunity shifted from simply accommodating more users to creating an environment that actively fosters curiosity, interaction, and early literacy. The question became how a physical space could do more than house learning, and instead help spark it.

Turning Storytelling into Space

Through Synthesis’ Responsible Creativity process, the design team worked with the library and foundation to reimagine storytelling as an immersive experience. Inspired by illustrated maps from children’s literature like Winnie the Pooh and The Chronicles of Narnia, the space was conceived as a navigable landscape. Layout, graphics, and spatial moments were designed to encourage movement and exploration, allowing children to engage with the environment as part of the learning process rather than as a backdrop to it.

A Place That Sparks Curiosity

The reimagined children’s area now supports learning through interaction, discovery, and imagination. Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions, while caregivers and staff naturally engage alongside them. More than an upgrade, the space transforms how the environment performs, reinforcing the Indianapolis Public Library’s commitment to equity, access, and lifelong curiosity.