The library’s “Teen Space,” located in the building’s lower level, was just completed this year and opened in February as part of a $1.7 million renovation. Library Teen Services Officer Amanda Bajdo decided to turn transforming the space into a place teens could call their own into a collective art project under the theme of “All Together Now.” Over the summer, teenage artists put their individual stamps on a mural spanning two of the downstairs support columns.

“Somehow, we came up with using the columns,” Bajdo said at an opening reception for the project Tuesday evening. “I wanted to utilize them because they’re just kind of there.”

She noted that while volunteers and herself decided on a color palette and a pop art style, the teenage participants made most of the decisions regarding the project.

“I was just humbled by the way the teens just took ownership,” volunteer Kristine Peterson said.

Photos by Jacob Perryman Artist Connor Stanton, volunteer Kristine Peterson and library Teen Services Officer Amanda Bajdo stand between columns transformed into collective art murals in the Warren Public Library’s ‘Teen Space.’

Both Bajdo and Peterson noted the final product kept the theme of the summer project.

“Each design is an island, but they’re all under one roof and in one community,” Bajdo said.

“I hope that this space will encourage teens to both feel a part of and be valued in the community,” Peterson added. “I feel that art can be connective and therapeutic.”

The completed portion is just a start, Bajdo said, noting the portions of the column left unfinished.

“This is a growing project that can be expanded upon,” she said.

Bajdo also said she hoped the project would serve a larger purpose.

“What the teens want to have in the community starts right here, right now,” Bajdo said. “I want them to own it.”