Gotta Go! Inclusive Restroom Design and How to Get It Right

Much thought goes into the design of library spaces for collections, seating, children’s/teen areas, and meeting spaces. But what about the bathrooms? Patrons of all types—families, transgender and non-binary individuals, unhoused patrons—are spending more time in libraries, and they all need to use the bathroom. However, conventional restroom designs are being challenged to meet everyone’s needs. It also falls to librarians to manage and monitor patrons who may demonstrate a range of behaviors affecting the wellbeing of other patrons and library staff alike. Join us for an analysis and interactive discussion of the social (and antisocial), safety, equity, and operational issues of library bathrooms. We will cover the pros and cons of different design decisions to find inclusive solutions to this complex public (and private) problem.