Editors' Picks

LBD selects the best in recent furnishings and design solutions

Compiled by Ann Kim -- Library Journal, 5/15/2006

From funky chairs to the finest trash cans, these 16 picks will transform your library. Jump to "Waste never looked so good": Waste never looked so good
	"Modular, functional, durable. It keeps space more than clean, it keeps it attractive, too." The Mercuri Waste Receptacles are constructed of stainless steel with a satin finish, or steel plate with a choice of white, gray, or anthracite polyester paint finishes. Recycling bin lids come in four colors to identify material. Freestanding and wall-mounted containers present a fresh, contemporary aesthetic that works in indoor and outdoor public and private spaces. Magnuson Group, www.magnusongroup.com
Rockin' & Rollin'
	"Start rocking at an early age." "Coolest chair for kids; safe, won't tip over." "Cozy, and a reading safe haven." Part of the Agati Friends+ Collection: kids can recline with their favorite book in the Banana Moon's comfy dual seats. Agati, www.agati.com
Beautify your feet
	"A charming array of designs makes it a cinch to add a dash of color." These designer Rugs come many styles-from contemporary to classic-and colors and sizes to fit a variety of space and design needs. Customers can also order samples via the web site to see options before they order. Bentley Prince Street, www.bentleyprincestreet.com
Service with a swirl
	"Nice circulation desk for kid's or teen section; simple in design, ideal for smaller areas or departments." The two halves of the Moen Willow Circulation Desk rotate smoothly around a central leg. Choose from a variety of colors for each feature of the desk. Brodart Library Supplies & Furnishings, www.shopbrodart.com
Swing is in
	"Dramatic, sleek, perfect for the library that wants to upgrade its image." The Swinger Lounge Seating consists of modular pieces that can be joined in a variety of configurations for large or small seating arrangements. Designs include serpentine, arc, or round. Functional, as well as visually arresting. TotaLibra, www.totalibra.com
Serious study
	"Elegant. A perfect example of classic contemporary." Originally designed for the U.S. Courthouse Libraries, the Brown Study Table with Metal Inlay, part of the Brown Collection, showcases handsome lines and solid construction. Agati, www.agati.com
Easy Wheelin'
	"Like the SUV of book trucks." The new Big Wheel Book Truck helps you roll over cables, uneven flooring, and thresholds with less resistance. Made of steel, it features durable construction and silencer mats under every shelf to absorb distracting noise. Available as two or three tier and with sloping shelves. Gaylord, www.gaylord.com
Can't go wrong
	"Love the natural tones, the way it all fits together, the way it stacks. Fun with multiuse function, it's great all around." Specifically made for the smallest of children, the pieces of the Puzzle Table and Chair can be combined and changed in an instant. Wood components are bent birch plywood, and the table top and stool seats are reinforced with steel plates. TotaLibra, www.totalibra.com
Sustainable flooring
	"How could any library not have a carpet called Stacks, or Quiet Please?" The award-winning Theory comes with Comfort Plus® cushion backing and option for TractionBack®, which allows carpets to be installed without adhesive, thereby improving indoor air quality. The colors draw inspiration from campus architecture, the classroom, and the energy of student life. It is 10O percent sustainable-after one lifetime of use, the carpet can be sent to Milliken to be rejuvenated and redyed for another lifetime of use. The carpet is PVC-free and carries the Carpet & Rug Institute's green label. The backing also can be specified with recycled content. These environmental enhancements contribute toward LEED™ certification. Milliken Carpet, millikencarpet.com
As clear as day
	"A high-tech mix of materials for a very functional system. Great way to display upcoming exhibitions, current programs, or for wayfinding." The Footprint Freestanding Sign System has a heavy-duty extruded aluminum base available in two styles and accommodates either a single graphic panel or a pair of tempered glass panels. Case[werks], www.casewerks.com
It's all in the name
	"ADA-compliant, modular, all-in-one." Patrons can check out and renew materials, register for library cards, pay fines and other fees, and more, all by themselves with OneStop™, the result of a partnership between SirsiDynix and EnvisionWare. And it also services patrons with outstanding balances. The upgradable design lets libraries add features as needed or as technology improves. Compatible with either barcoded or RFID-tagged collections. SirsiDynix, www.sirsidynix.com
A first of its kind
	The award-winning Zody is the first chair to be endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. Available in a variety of upholstery, mesh, and finishes. The chair is made with up to 51 percent recycled content and up to 98 percent recyclable materials. This chair can contribute to earning LEED™ certification. Haworth, www.haworth.com
Comfy & fun
	"Kids can build their own playground!" The Altra Forma Collection, designed by architect Lonn Frye, stimulates imagination and expression. Add another dimension to playful activities or create a cozy atmosphere for lounging and learning with these foam shapes. Available in sets ranging from nine to 19 pieces. Expensive, but cool. Agati, www.agati.com
Sink-in Seating
	"Minimal in design, but maximum comfort and relaxation. Sophisticated lounge seating." The Vancouver 2 Lounge Chair comes with squared metal or wooden spindle legs, with plenty of finish options for both. Side panel-cut selections provide the possibility of creating dramatically different looks. TMC Furniture, www.tmcfurniture.com
Instant music access
	"Great for teen areas." "A small footprint and a nifty service." The new generation models of the Lift® Listening Centers feature digital technology, using feather-touch controls. The Hit 3 Round model can be wall-mounted or double-sided on its pillar, and all headsets provide durable headphones with the Stop & Go System, which ensures that the music starts playing when the headset is donned and stops seconds after the headset is returned to the mount. TotaLibra, www.totalibra.com
Smart, with a flair
	"Comfortable, durable, and good-looking, with smart features." Archer Lounge Seating has a separation between the seat and back to prevent unwanted spills and crumbs from being left on the seat. Both can be done in different vinyls and fabrics to make cleaning and repair easy. The seat is also pitched so the elderly or those with physical difficulties can rise gracefully. Group Four Furniture, www.groupfourfurniture.com