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Central Library's Social Stair: A Versatile Hub for Community, Creativity, and Connection
BY LEONARD KRANSDORF
Dave Nichols stood to the side of the stairs, a look of satisfaction on his face.
“It was good as a background shot because the athletes were able to stand on the different stairs with room to move around for the cameras,” said Nichols, the high school sports editor at the Spokesman-Review newspaper, which recently did its winter sports photos on Central Library’s second floor with the staircase as its primary location.
That photoshoot on the social staircase is among the variety of unique uses for the 11 steps that extend from the library’s second floor to its third.
“The social stair was something that originated with our architects. When we were designing the building, it was a trend in educational facilities to install these extra-functional staircases—they also appeared in the new middle school renovations, for example,” according to Deputy Library Director Caris O’Malley. “I think it’s great that we’re able to squeeze some extra functionality into an often-overlooked building element, and I always appreciate having more venues for programming. I love how kids interact with it, as it brings another element of wonder and whimsy to the space. And I love seeing people just hanging out there.”
On any given day, people of all ages can be seen sitting on the staircase.
One day, an eighth grader named Lynn was reading on the Social Stair.
“I like the room up here. I’m up here at least once a week because it is quiet and I can do my English homework.” she said. Then there was Danny, 42, who enjoyed it for other reasons.
“I like it better than working at home because I can stretch out and send messages to my friends (on my computer),” he said.
The architects envisioned an opportunity for community connection with stadium-style lounging. The Social Stair has been the site of educational lectures, kindergarten field trip lunches, and even a stunning floral art show.
An interesting feature of the staircase is that it, like other library rooms, can be reserved for use. The location has been used for school classes, lectures and wedding photos like those by Kendra and Thomas in 2023.
“Everyone thought it was so cool that our wedding was in the library,” said Kendra. “Our photographers appreciated the uniqueness of the space too, and they took pictures of us around the library to showcase the venue, including the staircase. We did our send off on the stairs because that was the perfect place for everyone to stand and still see us as we left. It was dreamy and the space was perfect.”
