-Cassandra Spiss

The Rye Free Reading Room’s Discovery Zone is getting a major upgrade.

The zone, currently a children’s play space with donated toys on the library’s lower level, will be transformed over the summer into an interactive learning space for young visitors.

The overhaul, projected to cost $100,000 and financed primarily by money raised at 2023’s Casino Night, will feature new flooring, a new layout and fresh paint. Construction of the new Discovery Zone, projected to take place over six weeks during July and August, is not expected to disrupt regular library services.

The library is working with learning and design specialist Abbey Kumar of Learn’ique to re-imagine the space. As owner of The Little Learners Studio, an enrichment program for pre-schoolers located across from the library, Kumar has expertise gained from working with Rye’s youngest citizens for more than a decade. She also owns “Design to Learn,” which creates “live-able, learn-able children’s spaces” that balance interior design principles with an understanding of child development.

The redesigned Discovery Zone will incorporate a biophilic theme — one based on the human tendency to interact with nature — with the goal of transporting visitors into the natural world, Kumar says. With soft, muted colors, rich textures and light wood, the space will aim to be enriching and developmentally appropriate for young children.

“Biophilic design is all about bringing the outdoors in to enhance connectivity with the natural environment. We know that this approach can help to support self-initiated play and independence, as well as hands-on learning through exploration,” Kumar said.

In addition to creating an enrich- ing environment, the redesign will have to address flooding risks that have plagued the library’s lower level for years. Its children’s collection, previously located in the current Discovery Zone, had to be moved upstairs last year due to water damage. To that end, the library is working with Whitney Brothers, an educational furniture supplier, to bring in high-end modular furniture that can be moved easily in the event of flooding. Paint, baseboard, and flooring all will be chosen based on their ability to withstand water leaks.

Rye Free Reading Room Director Chris Shoemaker hopes the upgraded Discovery Zone will add to residents’ enjoyment of the library.

“The Rye Free Reading Room is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the Rye community, and the Discovery Zone is one such example of the way we adapt our services,” Shomaker said. “It’s wonderful to see how children, caretakers, and parents have engaged with the space so far, and I’m excited to see how they connect with the transformed area.”