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:

best library bookcasesThink 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: Alsip Kids 14 (1)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!

Tammy Winship, Accountant

Tammy Winship,  Accountant email our team
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Kelli Brandon,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
When not at the office I enjoy painting, baking, and spending quality time with my three grandkids.  .

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Mandy Kohlbrecher,  Project Manager email our team
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Eddie Scheer,  Sales email our team
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Dustin Hecht, Project Manager

Dustin Hecht ,  Project Manager email our team
Dustin is a life-long woodworker with a passion for crafting. When he's not in the workshop, he might be found tinkering with cars or hitting the links for a round of golf. Dustin is a family man, happily married to Courtney, and together they have two daughters.

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Jacob Allen,  Rproject Manager & Estimator  email our team
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Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service  email our team
When out and about I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our 5 grandkids.

Brock Christopher,  Sales

Brock Christopher,  Sales email our team
On the weekends and during the evenings, a majority of my time is spent playing soccer with my 7-year-old Kade or working on various projects with my 12-year-old Kael.  During the fall you can find me doing anything related to the KC Chiefs or Mizzou Tigers.

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Suzi Johnson,  Project Accountant

Suzi Johnson,  PM Coordinator email our team
I have spent most of my life in Illinois. I enjoy traveling and taking photos. I need coffee to function. My life revolves around my fur child, Norman.

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Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant  email our team
I enjoy spending time with my family. 

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator  email our team
When I am not at work I enjoy baking.

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Sam Shapiro,  Project Manager  email our team

Sam is a safety trained supervisor of construction whose experience ranges from factory to field.

He enjoys hiking, road trips, and rock concerts.

Mike Gillam

Mike Gillam  General Manager & Director of R&S   email our team
My life outside of the office consists of trips to remote locations and spending time with my family and five grandkids.  I love the Lord and doing His work.

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll,  President  email our team
Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

Alexander Klopp

Alexander Klopp  Sales   email our team
When I am not in the office I enjoy my life in the western suburbs as a Husband of 30 years, father of 2 adult children and an active member in our local Presbyterian church. Passions include family adventures with one-of-a-kind experiences.

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“When I am not working, I like to enjoy time with my family living an active life style that includes, live music, sporting events, golfing, fishing, and skiing.” 

 

Evan Carroll,  Sales & Special Projects email our team

Evan Patrick Carroll, following an internship from 2003- 2005, joined as full-time sales in 2008.

Tom Madura,  Controller  email our team

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my wife, 3 kids and our dog!  My hobbies include playing golf and practicing guitar which I keep working at. 

Meredith Pollard (Carroll),  General Manager  email our team

When I am not at the office, I enjoy my life in Roscoe Village, downtown, with my husband Mike, son Cameron and our dog Addy!

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll
President

Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

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