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 every 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.
Gemma Koomen’s artwork was so popular, Gateshead Libraries commissioned Opening the Book to update the big book stage feature we installed in 2008 in the children’s library at Central Library.
Library managers were involved every 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.
