Library Design for Children’s Libraries

Designing a Children’s Library or Children’s Section of an Adult Library for inspirational results!

There is no doubt that designing a library or Children’s section is a challenge to most adults. But, over the years at QLS, we have been developing design ideas and scaled down furniture to meet the wide range of children’s specific needs, while making the library a place of fun, learning and relaxation as well as an adaptable and useful resource for teachers.

We at QLS believe that the first place to start is to define your objectives (what outcome you want to achieve) and identify your resources and limitations.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY QUESTIONNAIRE

To help you to define your objectives, we have designed a questionnaire /check sheet for completion which covers almost every aspect of School Library planning that a library designer needs to know.

An eight page questionnaire is a lot more complex than a rough sketch on a sheet of paper, but we have found that this attention to detail at the start avoids problems or expenses later.

The Questionnaire addresses the following:

1. The new library space, covering distinguishing features, (current or required), views, light sources and requirements, carpet floor replacement, wall covers, acoustics.
2. Existing or required signage, service points or incorporated wall graphics.
3. The Library collection including, book collection numbers, magazine titles and newspaper titles.
4. Student Areas including craft / activity spaces / tables, designated “Maker Space”, designated “Story Telling” area, Reading Nooks / Booths, picture book boxes or shelving.
5. Main Collection design / layout, including display shelves ratio, book ends, Slat wall display panels, acrylic display shelves, mobile double-sided shelving, signage on shelves, OPACs required, curved library units using wedges.
6. PCs / Laptop accommodation spaces, sit or stand height options, administration PC’s / laptop / tablet space needed.
7. Circulation Area with circulation desk or PODs, height adjustable option, storage space requirements.
8. Number of Self-Loan Stations required with RFID.
9. Book Trolleys. Number of staff trolleys, display book trolleys and book returns trolleys.
10. Breakout Furniture required with soft seating, chairs, ottomans, booths, power and data built-in. Preferred table types, round, mobile, flip-top, chairs per table ,etc. Tables and chairs for outdoor use.
11. Other considerations including Meeting rooms, event spaces, work-rooms, offices etc.

Would You Like a Copy of the Questionnaire?

 REQUEST A FREE COPY

DESIGN SUPPORT

We have also developed a design layout catalogue for schools.

This features a wide range of alternative designs and layouts as thought starters for those stakeholders involved in the process.

QLS team members work with stakeholders using the questionnaire results and the design layout catalogue to prepare both unique and practical children’s library design options.

 CUSTOM LAYOUTS AND LAYOUTS CATALOGUE

CHILDREN'S FURNITURE

QLS have developed a wide range of standard and custom-made children’s library furniture. From appropriately reachable shelving to study spaces and comfortable reading nooks and fun cubbies. Strong colours are used to create an exciting and inviting space that children love to visit and learn in the process.

 Easy Reading & Picture Book Displays

 The Beach Hut Reading Nook

Where possible QLS build-in flexibility with shelves etc on heavy duty castors allowing them to be re-positioned easily, to accommodate classes and events.

We manufacture our library furniture in Australia and Guarantee it for 10 years!...

BROWSE CHILDREN'S FURNITURE >>

For more information please contact our Team on 1800 773 374 or email me direct at

d.stewart@quantumlibraries.com.au

Please call us any time and we will do our best to help.