Librarians’ Picks
Our panel of experts kept their eyes on the changing nature of library service as they perused a wide array of library furniture and accessories May 15, 2011Several recently completed library building projects feature fascinating avenues for patrons to access the best of library service through creative design Compiled by Bette-Lee Fox
Lee County Library System, Fort Myers, FL
The struggle to set up, take down, and store tables in several of the libraries’ meeting rooms was resolved with the purchase of these lightweight Hurry Up! Tables. Easily handled by one person and designed for flexibility, these flip-top tables can be stored nested together. KI, www.ki.com
Castro Valley Library, CA
For standing or sitting, these flexible ergo desks work well for staff and library customers at this branch of Alameda County Library. With a single touch of a button, they adjust to the perfect height required. Bretford, www.bretford.com
Prescott Valley Public Library, AZ
The Interactive Wall in the Children’s Library is “an investment in [the] future, as families combine reading with play in a colorful space that is comfortable, exciting, and dynamic. Children can spin a story...touch, listen, create, discover, be amazed.” Burgeon Group, www.burgeongroup.com
Northwest Regional Library, Cape Coral, FL
In this branch of Lee County Library System, the chairs used for general seating at tables and computer workstations are referred to as the recycled seat belt chairs. Composed of natural wood frames with seat belt webbing, they are both green and comfortable. J. Persing, www.jpersing.com
Willow Glen Branch, San José Public Library, CA
As with most libraries today, technology access is front and center in the design of the Willow Glen Branch of San José Public Library. The custom-built Toddler Computer Workstation (inset) is composed of maple-finished pine for durability, with Ergo Guys keyboard and mouse. “The mounted flat-screen monitor helps conserve space and offers childproof stability.” Northwoods Furniture, northwoodfurniture.net; Ergo Guys, ergoguys.com
Getting creative allowed for this whimsical children’s space (above), providing “a fun, lively, comfortable, and safe place to play and...for school assignments and recreational reading.” The wall is constructed of common building materials (sheetrock, etc.), designed with cutouts and painted in different colors to match the furnishings (Dunn-Edwards, DE5586 Peas in a pod, and Benjamin–Moore, BM2028-20 Douglas fir). The space was designed by Kelley Simcox (principal architect), Studio G Architects, Inc., San José, CA
Santa Teresa Branch, San José Public Library, CA
TechnoLink® Modular Service Desks are a rendezvous point for library users to connect with staff. The highly functional desk has a hydraulic section, creating two counter-height workstations to accommodate computers, a scanner, a receipt printer, drawers, a cash register, and a printer. It’s central location helps staff monitor activity, while allowing generous space for queuing up. Demco Library Interiors, www.demcointeriors.com
Castro Valley Library, CA
With a wide stance, the Wyoming Child chair is perfect for most settings. It is available in numerous wood finishes and cutout styles, with custom designs an option. Castro Valley uses them near its amphitheater. With an optional seat pad and task version. TMC Furniture, www.tmcfurniture.com
