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Evidence-Based Design

Library Design

We design library spaces that work - our layouts are shaped by observational research into how people move through them, creating inviting spaces that encourage browsing and lingering. Every project begins with an in-depth understanding of your building, your community and your aspirations.

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60,000+
Customer interviews
1,000s
Behaviour observations
20+ yrs
Designing libraries
400+
Libraries designed

What We Do

From initial space planning to final installation, we offer a complete library design service. We combine knowledge of library audiences, collections and operations with human-centred design to deliver an in-depth process for each project.

Layouts Shaped by Customer Behaviour

Library Space Planning

Evidence-based layouts shaped by customer flow research, creative zoning, and collection merchandising. We study how people actually move through library spaces — where they turn, how far they go, where they stop — and design layouts that pull them forward to explore.

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Design Service

Library Interior Design

Colours, graphics, signage and ambience that create distinctive, welcoming spaces. We work with your building to bring out its best qualities and create environments where people want to stay.

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Project Stories

Case Studies

Detailed project stories from public libraries across the UK and beyond — challenges, solutions and results for every project.

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Visual Portfolio

Library Design Gallery

Browse our project photography by theme - children's areas, digital offers, heritage buildings, makerspace and more.

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Staff training and support

After the architects and designers are gone, it is library staff who will deliver the customer experience. Our work empowers library staff - we have an outstanding track record in raising staff skills, energy and morale over the last 20 years.

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Featured Projects

Recent library design case studies

Sale Library Trafford

Opening the Book brought the library from the back to take centre stage in the atrium. Loans increased by over 20% in th…

Oldham Library and Gallery Shop

A complex project in a beautiful and busy building to bring a complete refresh and easier navigation.

The smallest library in Wales?

Fitting everything into small spaces while keeping flexibility for community use is key to small library design.

Birtley & Blaydon Libraries

A complete makeover for two busy libraries, including fun reading hideout features for children.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with Opening the Book on your library design project.

Every project begins with understanding your building, community and aspirations. We apply customer flow analysis and reader behaviour research before producing layout options, zoning plans, and full interior designs including furniture, colours, graphics and signage. We manage the project from concept through to installation.

A discovery layout is Opening the Book’s evidence-based approach to arranging library spaces. Rather than straight rows of shelving, discovery layouts use flowing organic curves and creative zoning to encourage customers to explore the space and discover books they didn’t know they were looking for.

Yes — the majority of our UK projects are for local authority public library services. We have worked with library authorities across the UK on new builds, refurbishments and co-location projects.

Yes, we can be contracted directly to deliver a library interior by a building company. We have worked with large property developers such as Landsec, Morgan Sindall and Kier as consultants on library projects. We provide options as a project develops through all the RIBA planning stages from concept design to handover and use.

Project timescales vary depending on scope. A space planning consultation typically takes 4–8 weeks. A full refurbishment including interior design and installation is usually planned over 3–9 months. We work to your programme and procurement requirements.

Opening the Book is a design consultancy led by customer behaviour research — not a furniture manufacturer with a design service added on. Our designs are informed by over 60,000 customer interviews and decades of observational research into how people actually move through, browse and choose in library spaces.

Still have questions? Get in touch with our team

Planning a library project?

Whether it's a new build, refurbishment, or co-location — we'd love to hear about your project and how we can help.

Start a conversation → or ☎ Call 01977 602188