First and foremost, a library has to provide an atmosphere of comfort, solitude and quiet. You should have ease of access to the reading materials available whether books, or on line info. This should be clearly marked and easily self-serviced without a lot of employee assistance or questions required.
Seating should be comfortable and personal. Lounge chairs or at least upholstered chairs should be considered, and they should be individual seating units as opposed to sofas or ganged- seating units, so customers feel comfortable not having to sit next to strangers for prolonged periods of time.
There should be tables available to spread materials out on if study is required, as well as smaller coffee or end tables if someone is there to just sit and read.
Lighting should be tailored to the type of seating/ table arrangements they serve. Task ( table or "reading" ) lights for individual seating, and overall general lighting ( ie: fluorescent ) for above study tables. A mix of both is most pleasant. Given the importance of proper lighting, you should consult a professional at a local lighting store for direction re: light level, eye strain, etc.
Soft finishes, ( carpet, fabrics ) will help with sound control and should be considered over ceramic tile, hardwood, vinyls or metals. They also help create a warmer atmosphere.
You could think of a cozy, homey almost old English reading room feel and perhaps incorporate design elements such as a few "faux" fireplaces, antiques, artwork and plants. Windows are an asset for natural light, with soft drapes, but combine with vertical or horizontal blinds that louvre to control light glare while reading on looking at a computer screen.
Though there are a lot of contemporary, minimalist library spaces out there, the size of your space plays a part in your design direction. Heavily trafficked school libraries are usually large, clean, and bared down for safety and security. Smaller retail types can be more residential in feel. Also keep in mind food and drink service if required, and the packaging, spills and clean up.
Seating should be comfortable and personal. Lounge chairs or at least upholstered chairs should be considered, and they should be individual seating units as opposed to sofas or ganged- seating units, so customers feel comfortable not having to sit next to strangers for prolonged periods of time.
There should be tables available to spread materials out on if study is required, as well as smaller coffee or end tables if someone is there to just sit and read.
Lighting should be tailored to the type of seating/ table arrangements they serve. Task ( table or "reading" ) lights for individual seating, and overall general lighting ( ie: fluorescent ) for above study tables. A mix of both is most pleasant. Given the importance of proper lighting, you should consult a professional at a local lighting store for direction re: light level, eye strain, etc.
Soft finishes, ( carpet, fabrics ) will help with sound control and should be considered over ceramic tile, hardwood, vinyls or metals. They also help create a warmer atmosphere.
You could think of a cozy, homey almost old English reading room feel and perhaps incorporate design elements such as a few "faux" fireplaces, antiques, artwork and plants. Windows are an asset for natural light, with soft drapes, but combine with vertical or horizontal blinds that louvre to control light glare while reading on looking at a computer screen.
Though there are a lot of contemporary, minimalist library spaces out there, the size of your space plays a part in your design direction. Heavily trafficked school libraries are usually large, clean, and bared down for safety and security. Smaller retail types can be more residential in feel. Also keep in mind food and drink service if required, and the packaging, spills and clean up.
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