The Thrill What must replace Younkers?

Reimagining Empty Department Stores: Lessons for Community Spaces

Younkers was a long-running department store chain in the American Midwest, and when its stores closed in 2018 along with the wider Bon-Ton group, many towns were left asking what should fill the large buildings left behind. The question "what must replace Younkers?" is really a question every community faces when a familiar anchor disappears: what kind of place do residents actually need, and who gets a say in deciding?

Across many cities, former department stores have been turned into mixed-use buildings, apartments, offices, healthcare clinics, schools and, notably, public libraries. Large open floors, central locations and existing parking make these buildings well suited to civic use. A library in a former shop can offer study areas, children's corners, meeting rooms and exhibition space under one roof, drawing people back into town centres that had lost foot traffic.

Why libraries fit the gap

Shops gave people a reason to gather, browse and meet neighbours. Libraries do much of the same without requiring anyone to spend money. They host readings, workshops, clubs and exhibitions, and they give access to books, computers and local history for everyone. That is why discussions about vacant retail space so often turn to cultural and educational uses.

Thinking locally

The same thinking applies in a town like Pljevlja. Spaces for reading, learning and conversation strengthen everyday community life far beyond any single building. To see what is on offer here, browse our current programs, explore the catalog, or read about how to become a member on the membership page. Ideas from residents about how shared spaces should be used are always worth raising with the library team.