DESIGN TREND A Shelf Apart

Shelving design continues to evolve to support the visual narrative and personality of library spaces, from whimsical interactive shelves with cubby holes and twists and turns to shelves that offer integrated seating, display, and collections. 

Roslindale Branch, Boston Public Library, MA. A maze-like configuration of double-sided shelving invites exploration and curiosity while still being low enough to see over.  CREDITS Leers Weinzapfel Associates, architect; Jane Messenger, photos.

Perry Sippo Branch, Stark County District Library, Canton, OH. Shelving variety, from height to display, both anchors and creates zones of activity while also encouraging community members to move though the space.  CREDITS HBM Architects, architect; photo ©2022 Hanson Photographic.

Hagameyer Library, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC. Graphic endcaps on both tall and low shelving feature photos of alumni, dating back to 1963, celebrating the history of the community college.  CREDITS Moody Nolan, Morris Berg Architects, architect; ©Central Piedmont Community College 2021, photos.