Extraordinary libraries are constantly improving their spaces in order to better serve their community. These libraries often seek out trends applicable to their library to ensure they are offering their patrons the best services and tools they desire. Of the libraries we worked with in 2015, we selected 3 and highlighted some of the top library design trends for you.
1. Sioux Center Middle and High School
Sioux Center Middle and High School unveiled a drastic transformation from an over-cluttered, uninspired library that had little space for lounging or sight lines to a space with many different types of seating for students as well as group study space. Collaborative learning environments are one of the biggest trends in school libraries in recent years and choosing furniture pieces that encourage and facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is of utmost importance in learning environments. Of course there is also a need for individual study and offering a wide variety of seating for that purpose is important too.
2. Black Hawk Elementary
Black Hawk Elementary is one of our favorite small libraries because they maximize their available footprint very well. This school library takes advantage of the many mobile furniture options available. Mobile furniture allows the space to be easily transformed into a meeting room or activity center simply by rolling mobile furniture out of the way. Demco’s ColorScape® shelving and Kite® Mini Mobile Flip Tables are just a couple of the easy-to-move pieces in this library. The brightly painted walls and colorful movable stools complement the space well and give an extra boost of energy to the students.
3. Slover Library
Slover Library is a beautiful blend of old and new architecture with an emphasis on patron access to technology. This library uses touchscreen technology, digital signage, online sign-up stations, as just some of the ways to integrate technology into their spaces. The children’s floor also enjoys bright soft seating and colorful shelving to really bring the space to life.
Janet Nelson
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January 22, 2016 @ 7:23 pm
Please contact me regarding soft furniture for our library.
CJ
January 25, 2016 @ 2:41 pm
Thank you for reaching out CJ. We will have someone get in touch right away.
April 14, 2016 @ 3:16 pm
Just curious – do you have any pictures of the behind the scenes departments at any of the updated libraries, like the Cataloging areas?
April 25, 2016 @ 8:49 pm
Thank you for reaching out Mary. Generally we work in the public facing spaces within the library so we don’t often have the opportunity to photograph the behind the scenes areas. If the opportunity arises, we will be sure to share.
May 26, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Janet, I’d like to speak with you about Slover. Thanks!
May 31, 2016 @ 12:55 pm
Hi Terry, Thank you for reaching out to us. I will email you to further our conversation.