elementary library seating Archives - Carroll Seating Company

Libraries, like many spaces these days, are changing quickly. Technology has done a number on these spaces, even in the school environment, and keeping up with the shift can be difficult. While physical materials are still a staple of libraries, so is the need for multimedia spaces. The right shelving solution can help you make the most of the space available for all of the types of materials, but what factors should you take into consideration before you select shelving? Keep reading to learn more:

Think Portability: If you have the need to move your library design to accommodate various groups, you may want to go with more portable mobile designs to help gate off sections of the library to accommodate any groups you have visiting. The ability to reconfigure, even if you don’t require portability, should also be considered, as you may want to shift your library layout during certain times of the school year.

Think Height: Understanding your population can make a big difference in the type of shelving you choose to meet your needs. If you regularly serve younger elementary children, you may want to go with shorter bookcases so they can reach all of the available materials. If you have older kids and you need to maximize your space, floor to ceiling models are easily the way to go.

Think Space: If you have spacing concerns, you may want to invest in double faced library shelving, as it is the ideal way to display the most possible materials without utilizing too much of your floor area. While this type of shelving can be pricier, it can also help you make the most of the area you have available.

At Carroll Seating Company, we carry a complete catalog of library shelving to help meet your needs. Contact us today to help address your design concerns and find the right solution to meet your needs.

Statistically speaking, reading scores for elementary students across the nation are in nothing short of a freefall. Despite the continual focus on this essential skill, few students are picking up books and sitting down to read just for fun, and it’s certainly contributing to a lacking love of books the world over. One simple way to change that? Give them a library space they’ll want to visit again and again. Summer is the perfect time for a library redesign. Take a moment to imagine the possibilities.

Get Colorful: Schools are still often drab places, and libraries are little different. It’s amazing what some color can do, though. Whether you’re talking about a simple paint job on the walls themselves, a mural depicting your school mascot and colors, or even bright chairs, bookcases, and workspaces, color can help encourage kids to come in and stay.
Get Creative: Quick, imagine that you’re nine years old again. What would be the coolest possible thing you could have in a library? What if the entire library had whiteboard walls where you could record your thoughts about your latest read? What if every nook and cranny was decorated like a favorite children’s book from Alice in Wonderland to Harry Potter? If you can dream it, we can help you make it happen.
Get Comfortable: Libraries aren’t going to be amazing reading spaces if you don’t have comfortable, cute tables and chairs for students to relax. Get a pair of cushy chairs that look just like rocket ships! Add tables that look like fast food restaurant booths your students already know and love. Consider study carrels with soft seating options instead of traditional hard chairs. The cozier your spaces, the more likely students are to want to come back and stick around.

Ready to get started on your library redesign? Give us a call. From start to finish, we’ll help you do more with your library space and help encourage students to read!