Many of us fondly look back on childhood memories of going to the local library. The new Children's Library at the Concourse House — a Bronx-based shelter that serves women with young children who are transitioning out of homelessness — was created to bring that meaningful, formative experience to kids who may not have access to their own books.

Designed pro-bono by New York-based Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA), the Children's Library took over an underused mezzanine space in the shelter. Underneath a vaulted ceiling, it now offers a welcoming, playful learning environment that's flexibly designed for individual and group readings, story time, and other book-related programming.

The space sure wouldn't feel like a library without the round, illuminated shelving unit, which is now filled with about 1,200 children's books donated by Sisters Uptown Bookstore. The shelving unit also serves as a permeable protective barrier between the library and the double-height space below. 

Additional side-shelves function as storage space for pouf ottomans. The floor is covered by a large, colorful carpet, while two rounded Corian tables are integrated into the shelving and a fully paneled end wall. The paneling features additional LED lighting and a back-painted glass erasable writing surface.

Funded by donations, the Children's Library is the result of none other than kind-hearted, community effort. In addition to designing the library, MKCA led efforts to gather additional in-kind donations from fellow designers, suppliers, fabricators, and contractors in service of the project. 

“The love of books and of reading is something that defined my own childhood, and that of everyone on our team,” said MKCA Principal Michael Chen in a statement. “The space for imagination and for reflection that books afford is such a gift, especially for kids who don’t currently have a permanent home, or might not have a space of their own. It’s a privilege to work with Concourse House to make the library a reality for such a deserving group of children.”

To further benefit the Concourse House, MKCA curated an online auction of art, furniture, lighting, and design objects donated by leading New York studios, galleries, and artists. The auction is currently live on Paddle8 through Tuesday, December 18.

More photos in the gallery below.