Residents of Grants Pass will soon have the opportunity to see how local teenagers envision the future of their community library. The Josephine Community Library Foundation has announced an upcoming Teen Library Design Showcase, an event intended to highlight creative concepts developed by youth participants who explored what a modern, teen-focused library could look like.
The showcase will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Josephine Community Library in downtown Grants Pass. The event will feature design work created by young participants involved in Girls Rock’s “Design Your World” workshop, a program designed to introduce youth to architecture while encouraging them to imagine new possibilities for public spaces. The artwork and design concepts will begin appearing at the library on March 10 and will remain on display throughout the month.
The project was facilitated by ZCS Lead Architect Jessi Russell, who guided students through the process of exploring architecture as both a creative discipline and a potential career path. During the workshop, participants were encouraged to consider how a library could better serve teenagers by creating spaces that support learning, creativity, and community engagement.
Visitors attending the March 14 showcase will have the chance to meet the youth designers and learn directly from them about the ideas behind their work. Students will discuss the inspiration for their concepts and explain how they believe library environments can be designed to meet the needs of teens in ways that feel welcoming and meaningful.
Rebecca Stoltz, executive director of the Josephine Community Library Foundation, said the involvement of young people in the design process offers valuable insight into how library spaces can better reflect the needs of the community’s younger generation. “When young people are invited into the design conversation, we learn their priorities to feel welcomed, safe, and inspired in library spaces,” Stoltz said.
The design showcase also coincides with ongoing efforts by the Josephine Community Library Foundation to develop a new main library facility in Grants Pass. Plans call for a 22,000 square foot building in downtown Grants Pass that will serve as a central hub for learning, programs, and community gatherings. Organizers say the project is intended to create a modern space that supports education, collaboration, and access to information for residents across Josephine County.
During the event, attendees will be able to learn more about the progress of the planned library development. Foundation representatives will be available to share updates and answer questions about the project and its goals for the future of library services in the region.
Russell, who is a registered architect in both Oregon and California, has more than 13 years of experience in the field. As part of the event, she will speak about how architects turn creative concepts into real-world structures. Her presentation will focus on the practical challenges architects face when designing buildings that must balance aesthetics with functionality.
According to organizers, Russell will also discuss how architecture often involves solving complex design challenges, including how to create spaces that are both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The showcase aims to help young participants see how their ideas can influence real community spaces while also exposing them to career possibilities within architecture and design.
Community members attending the event will be able to view the youth-created artwork, speak with the students about their designs, and meet Russell during the informal gathering. Refreshments, including pizza provided by Catalyst Pizza, will be available during the event.
Library officials note that a library card is not required to attend the meet-and-greet or to view the exhibit. Organizers say the event is intended to be open and accessible to anyone interested in seeing how young residents are contributing ideas to the future of community spaces in Grants Pass.
Those interested in learning more about the event or the design process may contact Associate Lead Architect Jessi Russell by email at jessirussell@zcsea.com or by phone at 541-479-3856. Additional information about library programs and services is available through the Josephine Community Library by visiting josephinelibrary.org, emailing info@josephinelibrary.org, or calling 541-476-0571.