We tend to think of literacy as just being able to read and write - but its really about understanding a system of some sort
— Antonia Stephens, Library Director, Hyannis Public Library
Kinetic Literacy Between the Stacks
New Hyannis public library incorporates space to bring out the inner dancer
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24 September 2026 – HYANNIS, MA – The remodel of Hyannis Public Library includes includes a sprung floor and a plan for kinetic literacy to help connect Cape Cod with the language of dance.
What is kinetic literacy?
Dance and libraries might not seem like an immediate pairing, but at the new Hyannis Public movement forms one more part human understanding.
“We tend to think of literacy as just being able to read and write but it’s really about understanding a system of some sort,” says Antonia Stephens, Library director for the Hyannis Public Library.
That’s why – as the library undergoes extensive remodeling – it wanted to embrace the broad range of human literacies. And that’s why building plans include a flexible space with sprung floor – and even one or more resident dance troupes.
“You have digital literacy, you have financial literacy or numeracy. We’re talking about nutritional literacy a lot these days,” explained Stephens. “So this is just another way to look at how people do things, or learn to do things, or understand.”
Why have dance in a library?
Stephens heard about work in Nashville Tennessee where the Nashville Ballet serves as a resident storyteller at the library, hosting a range of movement learning. This sparked an ah-ha moment for this librarian who also happens to be a dancer — and it also suggested a tantalizing opportunity to connect the Cape with the language of dance.
What is a sprung floor?
As part of its re-build, plans include a multi-purpose room with a spung floor. A sprung floor is a type of floor with space and padding between the floor and what is supporting it, creating more “give” in the floor. A sprung floor absorbs the shock of movement, minimizing the change of injury and making it safer for human joints.
“One of the things that libraries do is try to bring in programing that isn’t just specific to books,” said Stephens.
“Programs that require movement require the right kinds of place to do them. If you have space like that you don’t have to come to the library and just read about something,” she added.
What would dance look like in the library?
Stephens envisions dance experiences, as well as dance books clubs that might also create a choreography to go with the reading, so that library patrons can experience kinetic literacy through many different lenses.
Dance forms a part of human expression, but often only children and teens in structured class experience it. The space, with its safety-first floor combined with the commitment of Brewster-based Movimento to be a resident dance company, opens the door to kinetic literacy on Cape Cod, she said.
The library has already raised $10.2 million of its $11 million goal. The first phase of the work is nearly complete with phase two expected to begin later this fall.
For more information:
Hyannis Public Library – https://hyannislibrary.org/
Movimento Dance – https://www.movimentoproject.com/en
