The Traverse Area District Library (TADL) Youth Services department will host an Open House tomorrow (Sat., Nov. 7), 1-3pm, to celebrate the completion of the first phase of improvements to the department.

The enhancements are made possible by a $99,000 bequest made by George and Helen Getty through the Getty Family Trust. They include a redesigned space with an updated color scheme, new furniture and a new floor plan for age-specific areas. Also, the young children's area has been moved to the front and now features lower shelving and a play space for children to interact with hands-on educational learning tools.

The multi-phased enhancements are designed to revitalize the children's space at the Woodmere library branch, to encourage them to feel comfortable and energized as they develop early literacy skills and a passion for reading and learning, according to Cathy Lancaster, youth services coordinator.

Also, the Friends of TADL awarded a $45,000 gift to support The Tween Scene, an area for youth ages 9-12 years old, which occupies the north end of Youth Services and includes banquette seating for casual reading, tables with stools for collaboration, and computer workstations to encourage 9-12 year olds to feel connected to their library.