Franklin Ave Branch Library

The beautifully renovated Franklin Avenue Branch Library in Des Moines, IA features MySpot lounge seating with tablet arms for working, reading or typing. The Folio computer stations are equipped with low divider panels for visibility while creating individual space. The library also includes custom end panels with slat wall display to show off the newest titles. The teen area is of a similar design with the exception of a clear light maple finish for a more contemporary feel.

Project interior was designed by David Milling Architects

Hargis Library - Gloucester Point, VA

Virginia Institute of Marine Science
College of William & Mary
Hargis Library - Gloucester Point, VA

Project designed by: Carol Coughlin - Hargis Library Director and Paula Altman - Library Interiors Inc.

Project features:

Custom Circulation Desk

Tempus Tables

Cummings Lite Seating

Custom Computer Station

American Classics Lounge Seating

On Display

Libraries are spending more time, effort and money on merchandizing, marketing and promoting materials and services.  Here are a few incredible custom displays we created!  These display units were designed specifically for Napa Valley College and incorporated various materials and lighting.

 

We're Tickled Pink

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our own Linda Visscher (sales manager) completing her last cancer treatment, we adorned pink scarves and ribbons today.

Congratulations Linda! We know it wasn't easy, but you fought and won! Lets celebrate! 

Caledonia Township District Library

Project designed by: Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.

We were delighted to furnish the following products to this beautiful new library:

Modified Twain Tables

Whitman Seating

MySpot Seating

Custom MWS Computer Stations

Custom Display Tables

81st Ave Branch Library, Oakland, CA

Worden worked with 81st Ave Branch Library and Group 4 Architecture to create a custom cafe that contains a mobile island that fits perfectly within the cabinetry for storage, and doors that close off the area when the cafe is not in use. 

        Transitional Cafe

Beyond the cafe, Worden manufactured a self check-out unit with a custom 3-Form computer information station on the end panel. Rounding out the library’s beautiful furnishings are a custom reference desk, Folio computer stations, end panels, and a custom mobile reference station. We were delighted to be a part of this beautifully designed custom library!

      81st Ave Branch Library

 

It Started with a Sketch

Dan Smith from KPC Architectural Products began working with McCracken County Public Library in Paducah, KY on a new children's circulation desk. The library was looking for a thematic idea for the area that included nature. Dan presented this opportunity to Worden and Jim Brown (our engineer) went to work. After a little thought and research Jim sketched up a whimsical, multi-colored river and tree themed desk - since Paducah is located on the Ohio River it was the perfect solution and development of the desk went from there. See the progression of this project from sketch to completion. We are certain the children of McCracken County will enjoy this desk for many years to come.

Mercer County Public Library

We are delighted to feature Mercer County Public Library in Harrodsburg, KY as our July Installation of the Month. The library's beautiful interior designed by KPC Architectural Products.

Products highlighted:
Children's Circulation Desk
Computer Stations
Modified Twain Tables
Custom Side Chairs
Modified American Classics Lounge Chairs
End Panels
Book Display

Study like a Scholar, Scholar

 

"Did you know that eight of five dentists say studying in the library is a bajillion times better than studying in your shower?" Fantastic spoof on the Old Spice commercials by Harold B. Lee Library. This is really great!!!

"Digital schmigital"

Picture from archdaily.com

A library with one main attraction - BOOKS! Featured in fastcodesign.com Kanazawa Umimirai Library in Kanazawa City, Japan is a beautiful modern and minimalistic library featuring real live books. In the age of digital and electronic books, this library has gone the opposite direction - creating a space where patrons embrace and enjoy reading while being surrounded physical paper books! What a novel idea. Read more...

ALA Summer Conference

Worden exhibited at the ALA Summer Conference in New Orleans. We had a great time, met some great people and are looking forward to the next show in Texas this winter.

Featured items this year:

Stance computer station (custom)

Folio table

SSL light

Swing chairs

TJ chairs

Cummings Lite chairs

Ottoman

What a Way to Display

Napa Valley College - McCarthy Library

Insightful article on display in Library Scope by Linda Visscher - Worden Sales Manager. 

"Libraries are merchandising, marketing and promoting materials and services just like our favorite stores reach out to catch our attention and get our business. Library display furniture offers opportunities to merchandize items and activities in the same way store fixtures promote the latest and greatest things to buy." read on...

You may find functional and interesting display furniture can grab any library user’s attention – no shopping needed.

Join us at ALA

We would like to welcome you to visit us at the ALA Summer Conference this year in New Orleans, LA. We have exciting new products we would love to share with you. Look for us in Booth 640, Worden & Sparkeology will be exhibiting together. 

It's going to be great!

Cooper-Siegel Community Library

Cooper-Siegel Community Library - Fox Chapel, PA

Designed by Axis Architecture, North Huntingdon, PA

The library features countless rows of beautiful maple end panels, book displays and study tables. A custom display case and conference table create the perfect environment for large meetings. Computer stations located throughout the library provide patrons space to work, privacy and transparency. The Fox Chapel community is delighted with the wonderful new facility and its furnishings and will utilize it for many years to come.

Additional photos

Future of Libraries - Goodbye Reading Room, Hello Workshop?

The question of what will libraries become in the 21st Century? Make magazine has a great blog post by Phillip Torrone suggesting some ideas. Is It Time to Rebuild & Retool Public Libraries and Make “TechShops”?

An article that encourages thought - what could be come of the public library? What do we want it to become if people no longer need the actual structure for book lending, research, etc.

"Will they become hackerspaces, TechShops, tool-lending libraries, and Fab Labs, or have these new, almost-public spaces displaced a new role for libraries? For many of us, books themselves are tools. In the sense that books are tools of knowledge, the library is a repository for tools, so will we add “real tools” for the 21st century?"

Certainly sparks conversation. Your thoughts?

South San Francisco Public Library Installation

Project designer: Group 4 Architecture

Worden Dealer: Ross McDonald Co.

Library Features:

Modified Stance Computer Stations

Display Gondolas

End of Range OPAC Stations

End Panels

 More Project Photos

Standard vs. Custom Furniture

Check out this enlightening article by our own Linda Visscher featured in Library Scope - Library Works Newsletter. 

"The common perception about custom furniture is that it is expensive and out of the realm of possibility. The reality is that the perception is not necessarily true. The decision about using standard or modified standard vs. custom furniture should be based on making the right choice – for your budget, for the function that needs to be performed and for the design aesthetic of your library project."

Read on find out the advantages and disadvantages of both...

Great Learning Space - Backyard Adventure

No better way to attract kids and turn them into lifelong readers than to create their own space within a library. Otsego District Public Library (Otsego, MI) has designed a place as bright, playful and creative as their youngest readers. The backyard themed children's area houses custom picnic tables and benches, Adirondack chairs and a dog house book display. An ideal space for children to discover the joy of reading.

Project designed by: Thomson Architectural Services, Stevensville, MI
Interior designed by: Library Design Associates, Inc. MI

Novi Public Library Installation, Novi MI

Project Features:

Modified Stance Computer Stations

Stance Tables

Folio Carrel Tables

Folio Study Tables

Folio End Panels

Installation Cut Sheets

Interior designed by: Library Design Associates, Inc.
Photography: Beth Singer Photography, Franklin, MI

CAC Cabinet

A group of Worden employees volunteered at our local Children's Advocacy Center during United Way's Day of Caring. We spent the day painting, weeding, planting and cleaning around the facility. During our visit we learned the center was in need of storage and organization in their play therapy room and we decided we wanted to help.

They gave us a sketch of the type of cabinet they were looking for and our custom shop built it to their specifications. It contains a compartment for their sand table, pull out drawers for toys, a cupboard for dress up clothes and plenty of additional storage above. It was also painted bright green with applied vinyl graphics to match the tropical jungle theme of the room. 

We were delighted we were able to give back to the center, to provide the storage and organization they need to do the great work that they do for our community.

On Display

Book Displays draw attention to new books, special collections or under-circulated titles. Displays play a vital role in keeping books moving. Help your books stand out and get noticed. Patrons are more likely to pick up and check out a book that is displayed prominently in an inviting environment!

Whether you are featuring your selections on fixed shelves in permanent locations or want your displays on the move. Standard or custom - books can be placed on all sides and approached from any direction. Perfect for entrances, lobbies and gathering areas where patrons love to browse. Whatever your display needs Worden has the solution.

Tiered Book Display & Double-sided Gondola Display

Custom Display

 

Upper Dublin High School Library

Upper Dublin High School - Fort Washington, PA

Project designer: Gilbert Architects, Inc. 

Worden Dealer: CM Eichenlaub Co.

Worden proudly manufactured the following custom products for this library: circulation desk, study tables, display cases, and wood shelving. We are sure Upper Dublin High School will enjoy this library for many years to come.

Installation cut sheet pdf 

Suspend Reality with Swing

Sit back, relax and drift away in the comfort of Swing. We proudly introduced this chair at ALA Summer (June 2010) and again at ALA mid-winter (January 2011). And soon to become one of our standard product lines.

Swing's modern design and mid-century feel will add fun and personality to your lounge or gathering area. Its light scale design and solid maple construction is the perfect combination of style and strength. Let Swing do the work while you sit back and enjoy the view.

Cambridge Public Library

Custom Children's Circulation Desk

http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/2010/10/cambridge_public_library.asp

Cambridge Public Library featured in October 2010 issue of Architectural Record.  The Boston Society of Architects has awarded the project the 2010 Harleston Park Medal as "the most beautiful piece of architecture...in the City of Boston,"

The Central Branch of the Cambridge Public Library in Cambridge Massachusetts is a combination of old and new architecture. The architects restored the original library as well as adding 104,000 square feet to the facility. Within these walls different spaces and environments were created to appeal to a broad range of patrons. The goal was to create a "town common" an open and inviting place for the city's diverse population.

We were delighted to be part of the furnishings in this great project. We provided circulation and reference desks, reading tables, computer work stations, children's study tables & computer stations, study carrels and shelving end panels. 

Furniture Special Features:

• Reading tables provide access to power in the work surface channel - for laptop use
• Computer stations provide access to power through locked, hinged doors located in the work surface channel
• Power cords are managed through covered internal pathways in the side panels below the work surface