Library Design Case Study
A complete makeover for two busy libraries, including fun reading hideout features for children.
Two busy libraries in Gateshead won grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to make improvements to update buildings and provide flexible multi-use spaces for the libraries and their community partners. Opening the Book won the tender to deliver designs in 8 weeks to inform the capital works to be tendered, and then to return to fit out the libraries after the appointed capital contractor completed the building works.
The library spaces posed quite different problems. Blaydon Library opens directly off the shopping precinct car park. It’s a great location but a tight space – there is pretty much no lobby, you step straight into the library. Birtley Library has more space, most of it on a raised floor above a shared foyer. Opening the Book worked to create great first impressions of both libraries, to tempt visitors to come in and explore.
We worked closely during the design process with the library team and then amended initial designs as plans were developed with the main contractor. Agreement was quickly reached on the core furniture and the overall style while many details went through different iterations to get the best use of the space. Help desks switched sides, doors moved, options to locate service items like the mfd, coffee machine and storage cupboards were fine tuned. Staff operation was a key aspect in busy libraries with not many staff and the help desks were designed to a custom spec. Our plans showed not only how different events could be fitted (performances, workshops, storytimes) but where the furniture that would be moved would actually go for the duration of the event.
The children’s library was really important in both libraries and we developed customised hideout features to fit each space. We worked with children’s illustrator, Gemma Koomen, and our partners at CV Graphics, to create unique decorated structures and wall graphics which incorporated illustrations from her book The Tree Keepers. Children love discovering the details of these pictures and then curling up with a book in one of the hideouts.
Library managers were involved very step of the way and were great to work with. They chose the key illustrations from Gemma’s work, discussed all the fabric options and checked and amended book capacities to fit the final layouts. Everyone is delighted with the results – libraries which are welcoming, comfortable, full of resources and relaxing to spend time in.
Opening the Book provided excellent designs and were keen to work with us to make sure every detail worked in a practical way. The range and quality of furniture available was very good and fabric options were too. We wanted something quite unique for our new children's area and I think the end result really makes a mark at both libraries. Opening the Book suggested using Gemma Koomen's art work. She is a local author and this has worked so well at both sites, giving these areas high impact on arrival and providing really comfortable and fun environment for children to use. Opening the Book were very responsive to all our requests and flexible when timelines on the capital works slipped. Both libraries have been very well received by customers and give us a much more modern and welcoming feel, with the flexibility needed to allow us to use the library for different events and activities.
The first new library built in the County for 20 years meant expectations were high at Thame for the library service and politicians as well as the local community.
The 4th floor of Boots Library is the most heavily used computer space in the university. The brief was to raise the quality of the student experience while maintaining the required number of computers and supporting 24/7 opening.
The new Library and Customer Service Centre at Risca is built as a modern extension behind the restored façade of the old Palace Cinema which had been derelict for many years.
Opening the Book was contracted to deliver an interior design which made the space lighter and brighter, implemented a successful transition from staff-led counter service to self-service via RFID and improved the customer experience for over 500,000 people visiting the library each year.
Opening the Book was first appointed by Mace to work with the architects, structural engineers, project managers, landscape architects, mechanical and electrical designers at Stages A-E of the planned new building.
Transforming the old chapel in a 19th century school into a contemporary, practical library was an exciting challenge for our design team.
Werneth School in Stockport moved to a new purpose-built home on the school site. How could all the successful library activities be fitted into a smaller space?
Opening the Book first visited St Mary’s Church, Lichfield, in 2016 to consider the feasibility of the library being part of a larger refurbishment project.
This was a first for Opening the Book and gave us an opportunity to explore how we could bring the same aesthetic of integrating books and play that we bring to our public library projects into a very challenging, much more compact environment.
At Gateshead, Opening the Book created a successful MakerPlace in their existing Sound Gallery.
Opening the Book refurbished Gateshead Central Lending Library, including children’s and young adult areas, in 2009 so we were delighted to return to complete the work with a transformation of the computer and reference areas into the new Gateshead Archive.
Conwy CBC had an opportunity to provide a new community hub for rural Conwy when the building which had been the Glasdir Business and Conference Centre in Llanrwst became available.
Opening the Book was excited to work with Doncaster MBC in creating the new Danum centre, bringing together the Central Library, the Museum and the Art Gallery to one site.
Fitting everything into small spaces while keeping flexibility for community use is key to small library design.
A complex project in a beautiful and busy building to bring a complete refresh and easier navigation.
Opening the Book brought the library from the back to take centre stage in the atrium. Loans increased by over 20% in the first 11 weeks.