Since the tween center opened in January 2017, O’Hanlon said they’ve seen an 80 percent increase in library usage. The new center is the site for a bi-monthly Story Time event.

The students started with a tour of the library, gathering measurements for the roughly 8-feet-by-54-feet tween area. They then identified and downloaded design software to ensure plans were accurate.

Blount County Public Library will be converting an office into a Tween Room designed for readers ages 9-12 to have their own spot within the Youth Services Area. “It will be 9 to 12 year-olds ...