Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, IN
With the future of library services and the evolving needs of their patrons in mind, the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library worked with library consultant, Kimberly Bolan Cullin and Demco to perform a complete interior renovation of the main floor of their facility in 2011. Originally built in 1968 and expanded in 1997 and again in 2000, the library had ample space to serve the community but wanted to improve its functionality and make room for new services.
Demco had worked with the library in 2009 to help them carve out space for a vibrant teen area, named by the teens, Area T. With the larger remodel in mind for the near future, Demco helped the library select quality modular furniture that could easily be expanded upon. One main objective of the 2011 project was to find a new location for Area T that was larger and would allow the teens to be themselves without disturbing the other patrons. By combining an under-utilized computer room and small office space, the library created a large private space for the teens to socialize, study and play. The color palette of lime green and orange sparked life into the new space. P2 Collaboration Wave Carrels, TotaLibra Tech Kiosks and a gaming station help technology take on a starring role. Smaller mobile tables and chairs as well as booth seating offer space for individual study or collaborative work. Assistant Director Kerry Green has said, “Try to imagine the teen area with 50 kids in it … that’s what a successful project looks like!”
Demco’s design staff helped the library develop a furniture plan that opened up sight lines and made sure adjacencies allowed for more efficient staff service. Utilizing Demco’s TechnoLink desk system, a central combined service point was created and located near the entry incorporating self check stations and public computers allowing staff to effectively support customers.
Additionally, Demco helped the library complete a full inventory of their existing furniture to determine what items could be reused. Existing steel shelving and some end panels helped the library do more with their available funds. Demco designed new custom signage appliques to update the existing end panels and new coordinating end panels to create a unified aesthetic.
Smaller mobile tables and freestanding screens allow customers to reconfigure the space and create semi-private meeting spaces for various sized groups or individual study space. An abundance of soft seating options in an assortment of fabrics provide comfort and a feeling of home by adding subtle color and texture.
A new popular library features a combination of Supple Collection’s Jelly and Bug mobile display units with integrated signage making it easy for customers to peruse the latest novel or blockbuster. Lower shelving arranged in a combination of traditional straight rows, angles and starburst arrays add visual interest to the space and provide customers with a “shoppable” library.